Yan Diomande is one of the hottest talents in Europe and Liverpool have been repeatedly linked
Yan Diomande has moved to address claims of a dream Liverpool move.
Yan Diomande has moved to address claims of a dream Liverpool move.(Image: Getty Images)
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RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande has moved to rectify comments which cited that his 'dream move' would be a transfer to Liverpool.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe after firing his way into the spotlight in the Bundesliga. His performances have courted speculation over a lucrative move to the Premier League, with the Reds named among the clubs eyeing a move.
A recent video emerged on social media which sent supporters in a frenzy when the Ivorian claimed that he "wants to play for Liverpool". However, in an interview with BILD, he has moved to play down the comments.
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He said: "People made it out to be my dream club. But first and foremost, it's my dad's favourite 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."
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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is now Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull brand and oversees Leipzig, among others, under their umbrella.
Diomande dismissed talks with the German about Liverpool but expressed his admiration for the Champions League and Premier League-winning tactician.
He said: "No, not that. But 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."
Liverpool have a good relationship with Leipzig after trading players over the course of the last 10 years. The imports from East Germany have proven to be successful with Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai establishing themselves as key players.
Naby Keita, whose time at Anfield was ravaged by injury, became a cult-hero and departed with a top-flight winners medal from England.
Meanwhile, Konate and Szoboszlai have both become important players for Arne Slot.
The French defender is out of contract in the summer and the Reds are facing a battle to keep Virgil van Dijk's deputy. Szoboszlai, on the other hand, has gone up a level on Merseyside, where he has been the standout player in a dismal season for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah said: "He is one of the best players in the world right now. It's good for everyone and I hope we can do it again."
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