RB Leipzig's summer has been defined by a blockbuster sale and a transfer that fell apart at the final hurdle, leaving new head coach Martin Demichelis with real questions to answer before the Bundesliga season begins.

The headline development is the confirmed departure of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid for a base fee of €125 million, rising to €140 million with bonuses. That figure matches Florian Wirtz as the third-highest transfer in Bundesliga history and stands as the biggest sale in Leipzig's existence. Diomande scored 13 goals and contributed 10 assists in 36 appearances during his only season at the club after arriving from Leganes for just €20 million a year ago. Sport director Marcel Schäfer described the deal as proof that Leipzig can attract and develop world-class talent, but the club must now replace a player who was central to everything they did going forward.

Finding that replacement has already hit a significant obstacle. A move for Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, Leipzig's primary target up front, collapsed after medical concerns emerged during his examination at the club's Austrian training camp. Hoffenheim confirmed the deal was off, insisting Asllani remains fully fit and will return to their squad. Leipzig are now without their top attacking target and their best player from last season.

There is also reported interest from AS Roma in winger Antonio Nusa, which would compound the squad rebuild if it progressed. Demichelis, who replaced the sacked Ole Werner this summer, faces a pre-season already disrupted by the Diomande saga and must now act quickly in the transfer market. Leipzig lost their final friendly 2-0 to Leeds United and face Bayern Munich next weekend.