Liverpool hold an interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande but any summer move for the 19-year-old could be complicated by a legal row over his agents.
Diomande will head into the summer as one of Europe’s most in-demand players, but his chances of a transfer are clouded by a battle over his representation.
As explained by the Telegraph‘s Mike McGrath, the Ivory Coast international was announced to have signed a deal with the Roc Nation agency, founded by rapper Jay-Z.
What is the row over Yan Diomande’s future?
But Diomande is also claimed to be under contract with long-time representatives Maxidel Management, who are prepared to launch a legal challenge if required.
Maxidel have released a statement insisting the player “remains contractually bound to our agency,” with their deal said to run until 2027 including an exclusive right to his sale.
Roc Nation, meanwhile, believe they have signed Diomande legally having confirmed their partnership at the beginning of February.
Why Diomande’s agency battle could impact Liverpool transfer
It is explained that any legal battle could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and clearly the lack of clarity would impact a possible summer transfer from Leipzig.
With Liverpool among Diomande’s suitors they will be watching the process intently – knowing that any speedbumps would be an issue when it comes to finalising a deal.
Though only in his first season in the Bundesliga having joined Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes last summer, Diomande has proved himself a talent worthy of this level of interest.
In 25 games so far he has scored nine goals and laid on seven assists, including for Christoph Baumgartner’s opener in a 2-2 draw with Dortmund on Saturday.
Who is Yan Diomande?
Full Name
Yan Diomande
Age
19 (Nov 14, 2006)
Birthplace
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Nationality
Ivorian
Position
Winger (R/L)
Height
5’11” (181cm)
Preferred Foot
Right
Shirt Number
49
Market Value
€45m (£39.2m)
Price Tag
€100m (£87.2m)
Leipzig are reported to value their No. 49 at around €100 million (£87.3m), however a failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League could not only increase the chances of him leaving but also force that price tag to drop.
Why Diomande turned down Chelsea transfer
Speaking to BILD over the weekend, Diomande revealed that he had already turned down the chance to join Chelsea earlier in his career as “it’s not always just about money.”
“It was a difficult time. I felt like for many people, it was all about money,” the youngster explained.
“A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself.
3DDK707 Marrakesh, Marocco. 31st Dec, 2025. December 31 2025: Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast gestures during a 2025 AFCON Africa Cup of Nations game, Gabon vs Ivory Coast, at Marrakesh stadium, Marrakesh, Marocco. Ulrik Pedersen/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
“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.”