RB Leipzig’s Ivory Coast sensation is at the center of a massive bidding war, with Manchester United now challenging Liverpool for the 19-year-old’s signature.
The Diomande Truth: No Deal Agreed with Liverpool
Despite recent speculation suggesting that Yan Diomande had already given his word to join Liverpool this summer, TEAMtalk sources have officially debunked these claims. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig star, who is being hailed as the “best discovery since Erling Haaland,” remains uncommitted as Europe’s elite clubs circle.
“As it stands, nothing is agreed,” a source close to the player’s camp revealed. “Yan is fully focused on helping Leipzig secure a top-four finish before the 2026 World Cup with Ivory Coast. There is interest, but no signatures yet.”
From Leganes to Bundesliga Stardom
Diomande’s rise has been meteoric. Just 12 months ago, he was playing for Spanish side Leganes after rejecting moves to Crystal Palace and Rangers. Since joining Leipzig for the 2024/25 season, he has outshone established names like Antonio Nusa and Johan Bakayoko, becoming the Bundesliga’s most coveted young winger.
The Diomande Profile:
- Age: 19
- Position: Winger / Forward
- Price Tag: €100m (£87.7m)
- Key Comparison: Described by scouts as having the same ceiling as Erling Haaland.
Man Utd Explode into the Race
While Liverpool have reportedly done the most legwork on the Ivorian international, Manchester United have now made a significant move. Michael Carrick’s side is looking for long-term replacements for their aging attack, and Diomande fits the profile of the “elite young talent” the INEOS regime is targeting.
United aren’t alone, however. Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all monitoring the situation. One top-ranking scout explained: “Because he has only been at the top level for 12 months, every major club in Europe is currently scrambling to finish their data profile on him.”
Liverpool Tension: Fans Demand Youth over Gakpo and Salah
The link to Diomande comes at a sensitive time for Liverpool boss Arne Slot. Following a lackluster defeat to Nottingham Forest, Reds supporters have taken to social media to demand more minutes for 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, claiming the youngster showed more spark in 20 minutes than Mohamed Salah or Cody Gakpo managed all game.
With pressure mounting on Slot and the squad’s attacking output stalling, the signing of a game-changer like Diomande is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury for the Anfield hierarchy.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
