Yan Diomande
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – 28 NOVEMBER, 2025: Yan Diomande – 1. Bundesliga football match Borussia Moenchengladbach vs RB Leipzig at Borussia Park.
Yan Diomande had opportunities to join Chelsea, Rangers and AFC Bournemouth in the past. He even made trips to the west London club, Ibrox and the Vitality Stadium.
The Ivory Coast international has given an interview to Bild, where Chelsea, Danny Röhl’s side and Bournemouth are among the topics.
Bild report Chelsea, Rangers and Bournemouth invited the current RB Leipzig star for trials earlier in his career.
The 19-year-old’s youth career was spent at Florida’s Yulee High School and DME Academy. He left the latter to join another American side, AS Frenzi, in 2023.
Trials with Chelsea and Rangers
In September, Diomande gave an interview to RBLive, revealing his trials with Chelsea, Rangers and other British clubs.
“I was scouted at an international tournament. To prepare for a professional career in Europe, I moved to an academy in Florida. Two years later, I had my first trials with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Rangers,” he said.
The Leipzig star had then blamed his agent for not securing a move to Stamford Bridge, Ibrox or another club in the UK.
Fast forward to February and Bild again point out Chelsea, Rangers and Bournemouth, and specifically ask Diomande why he didn’t join the Blues, the Ibrox club or the Cherries.
The player ended up picking CD Leganés over Chelsea, Rangers and Bournemouth.
“It was a difficult time. I felt like for many people, it was all about money,” he said.
“A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganés; he had helped with my move to the USA.
“Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganés or Chelsea? It was risky, but luckily, it was the right decision. I think patience is very important in football. It’s not always just about money. If you play well, it will come naturally. I’m young; I need to play to increase my sporting value, to improve. And I wouldn’t get that on the bench.”
Growing interest in Leipzig star
He managed nine goals and six assists from 24 matches in his debut season in Germany, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
On November 12th, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea’s keen interest.
Last week, Sport Witness relayed news from elsewhere of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool making contact over a summer deal.
€80m price tag
Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has mentioned of €80-90m fee for the player.
On this topic, Diomande explained: “He’s the boss! And there are always many people involved in a transfer – clubs, agents, family, players. So, I don’t make these decisions alone. One thing I can promise: I’ll never argue with my club! Of course, I probably won’t end my career here. When the time comes, we’ll talk. But if I stay here this summer, I’ll be absolutely happy.”