Liverpool have been dealt a significant transfer blow as Yan Diomande reportedly prefers to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer if he leaves RB Leipzig. The Reds had identified the Ivory Coast international as a top target to replace Mohamed Salah, having already secured Victor Munoz's services.
Liverpool's £86m Proposal
Liverpool informed Leipzig earlier this month that they would pay approximately £86 million for Diomande, a valuation equating to a package worth around €100 million. The 21-year-old has become one of Europe's most sought-after attackers following an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga, where he scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists.
Diomande's Preference for PSG
According to The Athletic, Diomande has chosen PSG as his next destination should a move away from Leipzig materialise this summer. The attacker not only believes the project in Paris gives him the best opportunity to compete for major trophies and the Ballon d'Or, but he also wants to play under manager Luis Enrique. This represents a major setback for Liverpool, who had been confident of securing his signature.
World Cup Focus
Diomande set up two goals for Nicolas Pepe on Thursday night as Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 to progress to the last-32 of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after the match, Diomande remained tight-lipped about his future: "Right now, I don't know. I am not thinking about my future after the World Cup. I am trying to put all my energy into the World Cup and we will see what is going to happen after that. I can say nothing about."
Leipzig's Stance
RB Leipzig's hierarchy have consistently maintained that Diomande is not for sale. In April, Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff stated: "I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us. No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive."
Mintzlaff added: "Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain. But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn't leave again after just one year. Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we'll have to see how he develops."
Implications for Liverpool
With Diomande seemingly leaning towards PSG and Leipzig reluctant to sell, Liverpool may need to explore alternative targets to bolster their attack. The club had already invested significantly in Victor Munoz, but the loss of Diomande would force a reassessment of their summer transfer strategy.
