RB Leipzig's rising star Yan Diomande has disclosed that he turned down a move to Chelsea earlier in his career, a decision that now sees him at the centre of a potential £90 million transfer saga this summer. The 19-year-old forward, who has been making waves in the Bundesliga, is reportedly attracting interest from top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
From Chelsea Rejection to Bundesliga Stardom
Born in the Ivory Coast and raised in the United States, Diomande's journey to football prominence took a pivotal turn in 2024 when he joined Spanish club Leganes. It was during this period that Chelsea expressed interest, but Diomande opted for a different path. In an interview with BILD, he explained the difficult decision, stating that many around him pressured him to choose Chelsea for financial reasons.
"I felt like for many people, it was all about money," Diomande confessed. "A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself." He chose Leganes, citing a prior relationship with the club's president, who had assisted with his move to the USA. "It was a gamble, but fortunately, it turned out to be the right choice," he added, emphasising the importance of patience and game time over immediate financial gain.
Rapid Rise and Impressive Stats
Leipzig secured Diomande's services for £17.5 million just last year, and his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. This season, he has scored nine goals and provided seven assists across all competitions, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's most promising young talents. His performances have sparked widespread transfer speculation, with a valuation now estimated at around £90 million.
During the January transfer window, rumours linked him to several Premier League giants, but Diomande has remained focused on his current club. "I'm content here in Leipzig and want to stay fully focused," he stated, addressing ongoing speculation about his future.
Family Ties and Future Aspirations
Diomande also touched on personal connections to Liverpool, a club frequently mentioned in transfer talks. "People made it out to be my dream club," he said. "But primarily, it's my dad's favourite team. His ultimate wish has always been to see me play there one day because he adores the atmosphere at Anfield." He expressed respect for Liverpool but clarified that his current dream club is Leipzig.
Other clubs, such as Bayern Munich, have been rumoured to be in contention, but Diomande confirmed he has not engaged in any discussions with them. "The timing isn't right for that," he noted, underscoring his commitment to Leipzig for the time being.
Transfer Dynamics and Long-Term Outlook
Diomande acknowledged the complex nature of transfers, involving multiple parties like clubs, agents, and family. "I don't make these decisions on my own," he said. However, he assured fans of his loyalty: "I'll never fall out with my club! Of course, I likely won't conclude my career here. When the moment arrives, we'll discuss. But if I remain here this summer, I'll be absolutely chuffed."
As the summer transfer window approaches, Diomande's story serves as a testament to strategic career choices paying off. His rejection of Chelsea has not hindered his rise; instead, it has positioned him as a highly sought-after asset in European football, with a potential £90 million move on the horizon.
