RB Leipzig's summer has been defined by the departure of Yan Diomande, who completed a club-record transfer to Real Madrid on Thursday for a base fee of €125 million, rising to a potential €140 million with bonuses. The deal makes the 19-year-old Ivorian the joint third-most expensive Bundesliga departure in history, level with Florian Wirtz, and represents a staggering return on the €20 million Leipzig paid CD Leganes just one year ago. Diomande scored 13 goals and contributed 10 assists in 36 competitive appearances during his only season at the club, earning Bundesliga Rookie of the Year honours. Leipzig held firm against offers of around €100 million from Liverpool and others before Real Madrid met their demands.

The sale raises serious questions about squad depth heading into the new season under new head coach Martin Demichelis. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggest winger Antonio Nusa could follow Diomande out the door, with AS Roma reportedly willing to meet Leipzig's €60 million asking price. Losing both wide forwards before a ball is kicked competitively would place enormous pressure on Demichelis to reshape his attack quickly.

Leipzig are moving to address that need. Fisnik Asllani from Hoffenheim is reportedly close to a €30 million move to the club, while a deal for Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri is said to be advancing, pending outgoings to free up squad space. Christoph Baumgartner's absence through a thigh injury until late October adds further urgency to those recruitment efforts.