Yan Diomande’s future appeared to be in Paris with PSG, but it seems those plans have swiftly changed.

The Ivorian had caught the eye last season with his performances for RB Leipzig, following up on those with a solid World Cup for the Netherlands. That saw Diomande attract plenty of interest over the last few months, with numerous clubs reported to have been keen on him, including Liverpool.

Now, it seems the 19-year-old will be heading back to Spain (having enjoyed an early spell with Leganes), as he appears to be joining Real Madrid.

He has agreed to terms with the La Liga giants, and now it is up to the two clubs to thrash out a transfer fee, which is expected to be more than AU$190,607,500.

Madrid Beat The Competition

Real Madrid arguably have one of the greatest pulling powers in soccer because of their global ‘Galacticos’ status and position within the game. And it looks likely that this has swayed Diomande to join their project, having seemingly entered the race at the last minute for his signature.

Other targets had been reported to be on president Florentino Perez’s shortlist, including Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise. They were also last month reported to be preparing an offer of more than $AU200 million for an unnamed player, with speculation again suggesting it was Olise.

Chelsea’s Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez is another who has consistently been touted, but Diomande’s name seems to have arrived following a World Cup campaign that saw him provide one assist in four games as the Ivory Coast reached the Round of 32 before a slender 2-1 defeat to Norway.

Mourinho Rebuilding Real Madrid

Should Real Madrid manage to get his signature over the line and agree a deal, it’s been an impressive summer of rebuilding for Jose Mourinho.

Starting his second stint at the Bernabeu, he has already seen the likes of Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, and Ibrahima Konate join him in the Spanish capital from Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Liverpool respectively.

Rumours continue to persist around other potential incomings and outgoings, but it seems Real Madrid are putting in the building blocks to make sure they challenge for the La Liga title once again after a disappointing campaign.

Having started the season under Xabi Alonso and finishing it with Alvaro Arbeloa (both of whom are now in London with Chelsea and Fulham ahead of their first Premier League campaigns as managers), Real Madrid finished eight points behind El Clásico rivals Barcelona in the standings – and fans will not settle for a similar season this time around.