The RB Leipzig star previously said it would be his dream to play for the Reds, but speaking in a recent interview, he provided an updated answer on his next career steps
21:16, 15 Feb 2026Updated 21:20, 15 Feb 2026
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande has clarified his comments that Liverpool is his dream club
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has clarified his recent comments that it would be his “dream” to play for Liverpool.
The 19-year-old has scored seven goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances this season and is expected to be one of the most in-demand players heading into this summer transfer’s window.
The Red Bull franchise of clubs has often provided the platform for some of Europe’s biggest stars to launch their careers. Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku were allowed to depart from Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg in recent years, while Liverpool also purchased Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai from the German club.
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Diomande could be the latest to join that storied list, and Liverpool has been strongly linked with a summer move for the Ivory Coast international.
Diomande certainly didn’t diffuse those suggestions during a TikTok live stream last month, when he expressed his desire to one day represent the reigning Premier League champions.
“I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big fan of Liverpool,” said the teenager.
“I’m a big fan of Liverpool because my father’s dream is to see me play at Anfield. So that’s my dream. You know, to fulfil my father’s dream is a dream for me too.”
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) gestures during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Mainz 04 at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
However, speaking in a recent interview with German outlet Bild, Diomande has explained those remarks.
"People made it out to be my dream club. But first and foremost, it's my dad's favorite club. It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield.
“He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn't even have a TV at home for a long time.
“I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig.”
Jurgen Klopp, German football coach and "Global Head of Soccer" at Red Bull, is pictured during an AFP interview at RB Leipzig's headquarters in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on January 17, 2026. Despite leaving Liverpool as one of the most highly regarded coaches in football in 2024, Jurgen Klopp said he never considered himself among the game's best. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images)
Klopp could prove integral to Liverpool's chances of signing Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
Should Liverpool seek any advantage when it comes to summer negotiations, the presence of Jurgen Klopp as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, will do the Reds’ chances no harm.
Diomande also revealed in the interview that he has spoken to the former Liverpool manager on several occasions.
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“We talk every now and then. He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was always my dream to play on one of his teams.
“That's not quite possible now. But being so close to him now, talking to him, shaking his hand, it's incredible. He's a legend. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie.”
Reports have indicated that Leipzig could demand up to €100million (£87M/ $119M) for Diomande’s services, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also linked with the attacker.