Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he 'keeps hearing' Liverpool are ready to complete a transfer for a World Cup star. The former England defender named Yan Diomande as the player he expects to join the Reds this summer.
Ferdinand Tips Diomande as World Cup Young Star
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand was asked to name the young star of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He immediately chose Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.
Ferdinand said: 'Young Player of the Tournament? Diomande, Ivory Coast. I keep hearing he’s going to go to Liverpool, that’s what I keep hearing, unfortunately.'
Liverpool Face Competition for Diomande
The 19-year-old, who joined RB Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes for £18m, has been valued at £80m by the Bundesliga club. However, reports suggest Leipzig will demand £112.4m for his services. Diomande has also been tracked by Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, and Manchester United.
Diomande impressed in his first season in Germany, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. He also played in the Africa Cup of Nations and Champions League.
Diomande's Journey to the World Cup
Born in Ivory Coast, Diomande moved to the US as a child and played for Yulee Hornets and DME Academy. He had trials with Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and AFC Bournemouth before moving to Spain's second tier with Leganes.
Ivory Coast, winners of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, are ranked 33rd in FIFA's world rankings. They begin their World Cup campaign against Ecuador in Group E, followed by matches against Germany and Curaçao.
Diomande Focused on World Cup
Speaking about his future, Diomande said: 'My contract is until 2030 so I have four more years. I want to be one of the best on the field. But I want to go slowly, step by step to reach what I want to do.'
He added: 'Nobody knew me before [signing for Leipzig]. To put up €20 million, it is a lot to buy a talent nobody knows. That was a big risk for them. I know you cannot buy happiness with money but this is one part of happiness. I got money from Leipzig to help my family, to bring my family here, to take care of them.'
