The protracted transfer saga surrounding Ivorian footballer Diomande has reached a decisive conclusion, with the player traveling to Madrid on Thursday to undergo medical examinations ahead of a record-breaking move.
Departure From Austria and Flight to Madrid
The transfer operation was unlocked over the past 24 hours, paving the way for the forward to finalize his switch to the Spanish capital. On Thursday morning, Diomande trained alongside his current teammates in Austria, where the squad had been gathered for a training camp. Having rejoined the group a day earlier following a viral illness, he worked apart from the main squad before departing for the airport.
Local observers tracked his departure at 11:48 local time as he left the team hotel bound for the airport, with initial imagery emerging soon after of the player in transit to Spain. The impending arrival precedes his integration under the club’s technical staff, with preparations already underway for his immediate introduction to the squad.
Record-Breaking Financial Terms
The transfer fee has been finalized at a significant amount in euros, supplemented by additional funds in variables. Financial records confirm this transaction stands as the most expensive signing in the history of the club. His previous club, RB Leipzig, had acknowledged his impending departure while welcoming him back temporarily following his recovery.
The structure of the deal reflects a continuation of high-profile acquisitions for the club, providing substantial financial returns for the selling side. Club officials arranged a long-term commitment, tying the Ivorian international to a contract running until 2032, covering the next six campaigns.
Medical Examinations and Training Schedule
Diomande is scheduled to complete his mandatory medical assessments throughout Thursday, with official confirmation expected shortly thereafter. The technical staff has mapped out an aggressive integration schedule designed to have him on the training pitch immediately.
Plans are in place for the new signing to begin training under manager José Mourinho starting Friday. Furthermore, the club anticipates traveling with him to Hungary for a scheduled weekend friendly match against Ferencváros on Saturday.
Concurrent Squad Planning and Contract Talks
Club management has clarified that Diomande’s arrival is independent of ongoing discussions regarding the future of Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior. Negotiations concerning Vinícius’s continuity continued through a positive meeting earlier this week, though a final agreement has not yet been formalized.
Current indications suggest that the negotiating parties remain close on terms, pointing toward an eventual arrangement where both attackers will feature in the same squad under Mourinho’s direction for the upcoming campaign.
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