Yan Diomande has already demonstrated the immediate impact he can deliver, having put everyone at Leganes on alert in his first training session, according to the club's general manager. The RB Leipzig talent has been identified as a priority target for Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool face £112m price tag
Despite Andoni Iraola's side expressing their readiness to offer up to £86 million (€99m), the Bundesliga outfit remain firm in their determination to retain the 19-year-old and will reportedly only approve his departure for a sum of approximately £112m (€120m).
It has been a rapid ascent for the teenager, who is currently starring for Ivory Coast at the World Cup 2026. Diomande's European adventure only commenced last January when he signed for Leganes, but he departed six months later after Leipzig activated his €20m (£17m) release clause.
Leganes GM reveals first training shock
His brief spell in Spain may have caught many off guard, but not the club's general manager Martin Ortega. Speaking exclusively, the executive revealed insights into Diomande's unmistakable potential upon his arrival.
He said: "From the very first moment it was clear that he had extraordinary qualities. It's true that no one expected such a huge breakthrough in such a short time, but from the start it was clear that he was special, very special."
"We all saw it from his very first training session with the first team, when he amazed everyone. Without going into too much detail, he scored a spectacular goal that very few can pull off."
Ortega explains Diomande's rapid departure
Addressing the youngster's rapid departure, Ortega conceded that a move to a larger club was something Leganes had already anticipated. He explained: "We weren't surprised. The possibility of a big team coming in last summer and paying his release clause was certainly within the realm of possibility, and I'd even say it was the most likely scenario."
Diomande had a remarkable debut campaign with Leipzig, netting 13 goals and laying on 10 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions. According to Ortega, the German outfit faced no interest from English sides when they brought the Ivorian in last year.
He said: "There were several big European clubs interested in him, but none were from the Premier League."
Liverpool must fend off PSG interest
Liverpool must fend off interest from Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Diomande's signature, though whether he takes the next step up or opts to remain at Leipzig for a further season is yet to be determined.
