Liverpool are reportedly the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, with reports suggesting there is only one other real contender
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer
08:11, 10 Jun 2026
Yan Diomande in action before the World Cup
Yan Diomande in action before the World Cup(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande will reportedly join either the Reds or Manchester City. The RB Leipzig winger is amongst the most sought-after players this summer, with Andoni Iraola's side among a host of clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
It was revealed that the Reds have already made contact with the Bundesliga side as they look to strengthen their pursuit of the Ivorian. Liverpool are understood to be best positioned to land the 19 year old, though they will need to persuade Leipzig to approve his exit.
This follows claims from the same report that the German club have held firm on their position that he is not for sale, insisting it would require in excess of $150 million (£112m) to tempt him away. Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned as one of the rival clubs monitoring the attacker, yet Gianluca Di Marzio has suggested the destination comes down to a straight battle between Liverpool and City.
Speaking to Wettfreunde, he said: "Liverpool is very keen on getting Yan Diomande but they are facing competition from Manchester City. Enzo Maresca loves the player and Diomande is his first choice. Manchester City and Maresca really wants him.
"He is Liverpool's first choice as well, so at this moment it only depends on who will pay the most money for him. He will go to the Premier League and Liverpool and Manchester City are the two options.
"PSG actually wants him as well, so he is on their list, but with all the players they have, I don't expect that he wants to go to PSG, so I am pretty sure he will go to Liverpool or Manchester City."
Liverpool's attacking deficiencies were exposed last season, in what proved to be Arne Slot's final campaign, as they failed to replicate the goalscoring prowess that propelled them to Premier League title success.
With Mohamed Salah leaving Anfield when his contract runs out this summer, it creates a significant void that desperately requires filling. It emerged last month that Diomande is being considered to 'succeed' the Egyptian on the right flank.
The German club's resolve to retain their star player means Liverpool may encounter a substantial transfer fee to tempt him away from Anfield.
Ivory Coast's forward #26 Yan Diomande controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso at the Grand Stadium in Marrakesh on January 6, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande is expected to be a huge threat for Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking last month, the 19 year old said: "Of course, if you imagine someone saying you have to go to Chelsea or Real Madrid to do this job, you're going to be happy and motivated to do more.
"But I don't think about this kind of thing because I'm trying to be focused on the pitch. Because my job is playing football, I leave everything else outside the pitch. It gives me a lot of motivation to see clubs speak about me. I'm focused.
"My contract runs until 2030, so I have four more years. I don't know what's going to happen after that. I'm a Leipzig player. That's a big motivation because nobody knew me before. Paying €20million for a player that nobody knows is a lot.
"That was a big risk for them, and I'm thankful for that. We are on a good way, and it's not over. We need to keep going and keep working hard.
"I will never forget this opportunity. It's not only about playing football. The club has helped me a lot off the pitch. The media only sees me on the pitch, but the club has helped me a lot with my family and my mom.
Article continues below
"I'm very grateful, and the only thing I can do to say thanks is to give everything on the pitch, and that's what I'm trying to do every day."