Red Bull Boss Speaks Out Over Yan Diomande as Liverpool Hatch Transfer Plan
Liverpool are reportedly looking to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande this summer as Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff has delivered an update on the teenager's future. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Yan Diomande continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool. The Reds are expected to target wide attacking options in light of confirmation that Mohamed Salah will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Diomande has been earmarked as a star in the making and ranks among Europe's most coveted young talents following a standout debut campaign at Leipzig.
The forward has scored 13 times in all competitions for Leipzig this term, including 12 strikes in the Bundesliga, and is believed to carry a price tag in the region of €100 million (£87m). Friday evening witnessed Leipzig in Bundesliga action as they secured a comfortable 3-1 home triumph against Union Berlin, with Diomande providing an assist for Ridle Baku's strike.
Mintzlaff, Leipzig's chairman of the supervisory board and Red Bull boss, has delivered his assessment on the speculation swirling around Diomande's future amid reported interest from Liverpool. The Leipzig chief has outlined precisely why he remains intent on keeping Diomande at the club beyond this summer, despite suggestions that a departure could materialise during the transfer window.
"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," Mintzlaff is quoted as telling Sky Germany. "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."
"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," he added. "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."
He continued: "We want to play in the Champions League. And that's naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he's shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level. So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I'm completely relaxed about the whole matter."
