RB Leipzig have confirmed that young Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande will not travel with the club’s squad to their pre-season camp in Saalfelden, Austria, after contracting an infection.
The German club said Diomande would join up with the team once he had recovered. His absence comes as negotiations between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid remain ongoing over a possible move to the Spanish club during the current summer transfer window.
In an official statement, RB Leipzig also confirmed that Norway international Antonio Nusa will join the camp in the middle of next week after completing his holiday. Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, meanwhile, will not travel because he is in discussions with another club.
Diomande’s omission has attracted particular attention because of the continued talks with Real Madrid. Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg previously reported that the Spanish side were pushing to complete the deal over the weekend.
The player is understood to be keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, while negotiations between the two clubs remain in progress. No agreement has been announced, but Diomande’s absence from the Leipzig travelling party adds further focus to the situation surrounding his future.
RB Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis was asked by Sky Sport Germany whether Diomande would be part of the squad travelling to Austria. The question came after the club confirmed that the team was due to fly to the training camp at 17:00.
“Yan Diomande is ill. You will fly to the training camp at 5:00pm. Will Diomande travel with the team? Is that the plan?” Sky Sport Germany asked.
Demichelis replied: “I know it’s a big topic. Yan is really ill. We’ll see. I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet. If he is fit, he should come with us. If he is ill, he is ill.”
The coach’s comments indicate that Diomande’s immediate absence is linked to his health, although his situation is being closely monitored against the backdrop of the Real Madrid negotiations.
RB Leipzig have therefore travelled without the Ivorian, while Nusa is expected to arrive later once his time away has ended. Gulacsi’s absence is separate from the squad’s preparations, with the goalkeeper currently involved in talks with another club.
For now, Diomande’s return to the team will depend on his recovery from the infection, while the discussions over a potential transfer to Real Madrid continue.
