Yan Diomande, who is being linked with a move to Liverpool, previously had a trial at Chelsea but opted against joining the Stamford Bridge club
16:32, 21 Feb 2026
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande rejected a move to Chelsea(Image: © 2026 SOPA Images)
Yan Diomande has recalled how he turned down Chelsea in 2024, instead opting to join Spanish outfit Leganes.
Diomande, who has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window, had trials for several big clubs in Europe while he was playing for Frenzi in the United States.
The 19-year-old was born in the Ivory Coast but moved to the US at a young age, but in his teenage years it became apparent that he had the quality to make it in he major European leagues.
Diomande had trials with both Chelsea and Crystal Palace, as well as Scottish giant Rangers, but ultimately chose to join Leganes in January 2025.
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"It was a difficult time," Diomande recalled of his decision-making process as he spoke to Bild . "I felt like for many people, it was all about money. 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 Leganes; he had helped with my move to the USA. Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganes 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."
Yan Diomande
Diomande joined Leipzig last summer(Image: Getty Images)
The teenager's spell at Leganes was an extremely short one, as he spent the second half of last season there before Leipzig triggered the $24 million release clause in his contract to take him to the Bundesliga.
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Diomande has impressed during his first season with Leipzig, registering nine goals and six assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
The forward is being linked with a mega-money move to Liverpool later this year, but although he acknowledged he will almost certainly leave Leipzig at some point, he will be fine if that big move doesn't come this summer.
"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."