Real Madrid has won the battle for Yan Diomande. While Barcelona had the opportunity to sign the Ivorian winger just a few months ago and decided to pass, the whites are on the verge of closing an operation that will cost the Merengue club around €120 million. A figure that contrasts sharply with what Barcelona itself considered unfeasible just over half a year ago, according to mundodeportivo.com.

The opportunity Barcelona let slip away

When it all started, Barcelona had the door open. Taking advantage of the excellent relationship they already maintained with RB Leipzig thanks to the signing of Dani Olmo, the Barcelona representatives sounded out the young winger's situation. The response was clear: there was no sale, at least not at a price the Catalan club was willing to pay.

The Germans had just incorporated Diomande and already considered him untouchable. They were asking for more than €100 million, a psychological barrier that Barcelona didn't even consider crossing. This happened in April and May of last year, when Diomande was completing a spectacular season in the Bundesliga with 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 matches.

Barcelona chooses Gordon; Madrid bets on Diomande

Faced with Leipzig's refusal and knowing they could not count on the Ivorian, Barcelona opted for alternatives. After also ruling out Marcus Rashford, the Catalan board finally settled on Anthony Gordon, the English winger who arrived from Newcastle for €70 million plus €10 in variables. It was the signing that Hansi Flick wanted, and that chapter closed.

But Diomande remained on the market. After Barcelona settled the matter, his name was linked with Atlético Madrid. Later, with the season already concluded, he received offers from Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs. PSG even managed to close a preliminary agreement with the player, but negotiations with Leipzig stalled.

The galactic offer Madrid cannot refuse

And then Real Madrid arrived with something the Germans could not refuse. The white club has presented a major bid that Leipzig is about to accept for a footballer who cost them barely one-fifth of that amount just over a year ago.

The operation includes a contract until 2031 for the 19-year-old player, demonstrating the long-term commitment of the Merengue club. So far, it is unclear whether there will be add-ons or if the €120 million figure is the definitive fixed amount.

An expensive lesson about market opportunities

The irony is that just a few months ago Barcelona considered it pointless to spend €100 million on a winger that Leipzig would eventually sell. The Catalan club opted for Gordon, a sensible operation at the time but one that now contrasts with the massive investment Madrid is willing to make.

The reality of today's transfer market is ruthless: opportunities disappear quickly, prices rise without warning, and clubs with greater financial muscle ultimately prevail. Barcelona sought information, weighed its options and chose its own path. Madrid, meanwhile, has decided that Diomande is the jewel it needs to strengthen its attack for the coming seasons.