Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande has stated that his club future is on hold as he focuses on the World Cup, amid intense transfer speculation linking him with a £100 million move to Liverpool. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig star helped his side finish second in Group E to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Liverpool Ready to Pay £86m, but Leipzig Resist
Liverpool made clear their readiness to pay up to £86 million for Diomande last week, but the Bundesliga club are unwilling to part with the teenager and are keen to open contract renewal discussions. Diomande's agency, Roc Nation Sports, have been canvassing Europe's top clubs for months, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested, but Liverpool's pursuit is the most advanced.
Diomande Focused on World Cup
Speaking after Ivory Coast's 2-0 win over Curacao on Thursday, where Diomande set up two-goal hero Nicolas Pepe, he said: "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."
Earlier Comments and Leipzig's Stance
Earlier in the tournament, after a 1-0 win over Ecuador on 15 June, Diomande said: "A move to the Premier League? I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out. As for me I am more focused on the World Cup." Leipzig acquired Diomande from Leganes for approximately £17 million last year. Managing director Marcel Schafer told Bild: "We don't have to say yes to any sum. Yan has no exit clause. That means we sit in the driver's seat and everyone else in the back seat." An offer of around £112 million could persuade Leipzig to negotiate.
