Bundesliga
Leipzig sign teen diamond
RB Leipzig have beaten off competition from across Europe to secure the signature of 18-year-old Ivorian wonderkid Yan Diomande from Spanish side Leganés.
Diomande has signed a four-year contract at the Red Bull Arena and will immediately join up with the first team, who started pre-season training this week. He will wear the No.49 shirt.
The young winger caught the eye at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, making his first 10 senior appearances and grabbing two top-flight goals in Spain's LaLiga.
"We've secured the signing of an absolutely top talent and are very pleased that he sees his future at RB Leipzig," said managing director Marcel Schäfer.
"He's a left winger with outstanding speed, can dribble, is very athletic and can finish. He also never gives up the ball and works for the team.
"Despite all the excitement, we should give Yan enough time to settle into life in Leipzig and the Bundesliga."
Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast's largest city, Diomande moved to the United States as a youngster and took his first footballing steps in America before moving to Spain in November 2024.
Diomande quickly made an impression after signing with Leganés. Initially earmarked to start with their reserve side, he ended last season as a first-team regular.
"I'm very happy that my future is in Leipzig. There are enough examples to show that this club is the perfect place for young players to develop at a high level," the teenager said of his decision.
"The bosses want to play fast-paced, attacing football - that's ideal for my skills. I can't wait to meet my teammates and get out on the pitch with them soon."
After missing out on Europe last season, Leipzig begin life under new coach Ole Werner away at Sandhausen in the DFB Cup first round on Saturday, 18 August. They then raise the curtain on the Bundesliga campaign in the opening match away at defending champions Bayern Munich the following Friday.