Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said he is "not surprised" that Yan Diomande appears to favour a move to Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool, while also sending a warning to Ibrahima Konate after his departure from the Reds.
Diomande chooses PSG over Liverpool
RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Diomande, 19, was considered one of Liverpool's top transfer targets this summer, with club chiefs reportedly prepared to allocate around £86 million to secure his signature from the Bundesliga side. However, last week it emerged that Diomande would rather join PSG if he leaves Leipzig this summer, with the European champions keen to add the teenager to their attacking lineup.
Petit, who scored in the 1998 World Cup final when France won the trophy, believes the Ligue 1 champions are the ideal environment for Diomande's development. The exit of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan has created some room in PSG's attacking ranks.
"Yan Diomande has great quality," Petit told Jackpot City Casino. "Paris Saint-Germain have been great in the transfer market for the last two seasons. They sold Goncalo Ramos at a huge price, and Diomande has been a target for a long time."
"I am not surprised he wants to join PSG to win titles and fight for the Champions League every season under Luis Enrique. I think he will have chances to play often. We saw how Luis Enrique had to manage many injured players and rotate the whole squad during the season. So I’m not surprised he has picked PSG over Liverpool."
Konate warned about Real Madrid pressure
Petit also expressed faith in his compatriot Konate to succeed at Real Madrid following his free transfer move. The France centre-back, who has played just 14 minutes at the World Cup, left Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract this summer after 183 games for the Reds, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups.
"It was a difficult season for Ibrahima Konate off the pitch and the whole defence at Liverpool was struggling," continued Petit. "Konate lost his position in the national team, against Norway, he was on the bench. Dayot Upamecano is the first choice with William Saliba."
"Joining Real Madrid with the pressure and defensive troubles they have means you have to perform straight away. He is joining probably the biggest club in the world. It will be tough, but he has the quality. I believe in him and trust him. He was a regular first-team player for Liverpool for years, and it is a huge step for him going to Madrid, but I believe in his quality."
