RB Leipzig are bracing for Yan Diomande’s departure and have already lined up potential replacements. The 19-year-old winger is set to join Real Madrid for a fee of up to €120 million, while the Bundesliga side scouts suitable candidates. Last season, RB Leipzig finished 4th in the Bundesliga with 56 points (17 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses) and a +20 goal difference (56 scored, 36 conceded).
Who could replace Diomande?
According to Bild, five players are under consideration: Francisco Conceição (23, Juventus), Paul Nebel (23, Mainz 05), Malick Fofana (21, Lyon), Tyler Dibling (20, Everton) and Said El Mala (19, 1. FC Köln). Conceição is unlikely to move, as he prefers to stay in Turin. Nebel could be a bargain, with his Mainz contract expiring in 2027.
Why are some candidates ruled out?
Lyon’s Fofana (€20–30m) and Everton’s Dibling (similar fee) are financially feasible, but Dibling’s disappointing season raises doubts. El Mala, priced at €50m, reportedly favours Borussia Dortmund, making a deal less likely for RB Leipzig.
Are there other options?
Beyond the initial five, RB Leipzig have shown interest in Ethan Nwaneri (19, Arsenal). The versatile attacker could cost around €20–30m, but AC Milan, Everton and Fulham are also in the race. The club aims to reinvest the Diomande fee into a young, adaptable winger.
RB Leipzig’s next fixture is away to Hamburger SV on 6 February 2027, with the hosts currently 13th in the table.
