PSG Blast Diomande Transfer as Real Madrid Hijack €120m Deal

Paris Saint-Germain have launched a furious attack on the circumstances surrounding Yan Diomande's impending move to Real Madrid, claiming the fee and wage demands were "completely disproportionate" and risked destabilizing the market. The Ligue 1 champions appeared to be in pole position to sign the RB Leipzig wonderkid earlier this month, with the 19-year-old reportedly giving priority to a switch to Parc des Princes. But negotiations stalled over Leipzig's valuation, and Real Madrid swooped in to reach a verbal agreement worth around €120 million. PSG released a scathing statement through media announcing they had pulled out of the race. "Paris Saint-Germain officially withdrew its interest this evening and ended all negotiations concerning Yan Diomandé," the club said. "The transfer fee requested, as well as the salary demands, were completely disproportionate and likely to unbalance the market. PSG will not deviate from its principles of rigorous financial management and squad balance." The French side further accused certain intermediaries of inflating the market and insisted they would not be drawn into such maneuvering. The statement added: "As the reigning two-time European champions and the most decorated club in recent years, Paris Saint-Germain will not be drawn into the inflated transfer market and manoeuvres of certain intermediaries. The Club will calmly and confidently pursue its strategy in the transfer market." According to Footmercato, PSG were also "deterred by the attitude of the player's entourage," whose demands kept shifting during the talks. Diomande had agreed personal terms until 2031 with PSG, but those have now been set aside as Real Madrid prepare to finalize the move in the coming days. The transfer could have ripple effects on Vinicius Junior's future at the Santiago Bernabéu and also plays into PSG's decision to sell Bradley Barcola after the 23-year-old confirmed he would not renew his contract at the club.