Max Gradel files FIFA complaint over Yan Diomande deal
Former Premier League winger Max Gradel has filed a compliant to FIFA regarding Yan Diomande's proposed £113million move to Real Madrid. Diomande, 19, who is viewed as one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football, has agreed a club-record deal to join Jose Mourinho's Madrid side this summer.
The Ivory Coast international netted 13 goals and added 10 assists in 36 matches for RB Leipzig last season and appears destined for Los Blancos. But the transfer has run into a major stumbling block due to a legal dispute over representation rights, according to AS and Defensa Central.
Real Madrid struck the deal with Roc Nation, the sports agency founded by rapper and businessman Jay-Z, under the belief they were Diomande's sole representatives. However, Maxidel Management, headed up by ex-Bournemouth, Leeds United and Leicester City forward Gradel, have launched a lawsuit to FIFA alleging a breach of contract.
Maxidel brokered Diomande's switch from Leganes to Leipzig last summer and maintain they hold his rights until he departs the German club. The dispute has brought the deal to a grinding halt, despite Diomande previously being on the verge of putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are said to be absolutely furious over the situation, feeling misled by the lack of transparency throughout negotiations. Having reached a broad agreement with Roc Nation, the sudden emergence of Maxidel's claim has thrown serious complications into the mix.
Ivorian journalist Malick Traore shed light on the club's frustrations, saying:
