Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, but PSG could soon enter the race as a Kang-in Lee deal with Atletico Madrid edges closer
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 20: Yan Diomande #11 of Cote d'Ivoire and Florian Wirtz #17 of Germany compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Yan Diomande up against Florian Wirtz at the World Cup(Image: Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
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Liverpool may shortly encounter a challenge in its pursuit of Yan Diomande, with Paris Saint-Germain potentially poised to enter the race for the 19-year-old.
The Reds are intensifying their efforts to secure their second acquisition of the Andoni Iraola era, having wrapped up the capture of Victor Munoz from Osasuna this week. Diomande appears to be the next objective, with Liverpool having indicated to RB Leipzig that it would be prepared to strike a deal at around €100 million (£87m).
Reports from Germany have indicated that an initial proposal has already been submitted and turned down. It remains unclear whether an enhanced bid will be tabled by the Reds, though they may need to be mindful of PSG's involvement now.
The European champions are also among the contenders for Diomande, though no formal approach has yet been lodged. That situation could be set to shift imminently as the club potentially positions itself to make an overture to Leipzig.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid has opened discussions with PSG attacker Kang-in Lee, with personal terms 'getting closer' as the Spanish outfit prepares to follow up with the European champions.
Earlier reports have indicated PSG must move on one or two of its existing forward options before launching a bid for Diomande, and should Lee depart for Madrid, that could pave the way for the French club.
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 11: Lee Kang-In of Korea Republic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Korea Republic and Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid is close to an agreement with Kang-in Lee, which could enable PSG to make a move for Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
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The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Luis Enrique's side will only pursue Diomande if the player signals his desire to join Paris, though he has also confirmed the Ligue 1 champions' interest in securing him.
Diomande has offered several clues about his future plans, including recently expressing enthusiasm about the possibility of moving to England.
After Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador at the World Cup, where he earned the player of the match accolade, Diomande caught journalists' attention by speaking in English, prompting one to enquire whether he fancied playing in the Premier League.
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 19: Yan Diomande #11 of Cote d'Ivoire looks on during a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Liverpool continues to pursue Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
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"I don't know. I'm an RB Leipzig player, but why not?" the Ivorian responded (via beIN Sports). "My agents will sort that out.
"As for me, I'm more focused on the World Cup, that's the most important thing. It doesn't happen all the time, it's only every four years, so I'm making the most of it, and as for the rest, we'll see."
Diomande's suggestion followed questions put to his international manager about his future, with Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae dismissing the rumours swirling around his star winger with a laugh.
"When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG," Fae said. "Here, they tell me he's about to sign with Liverpool!
"I don't know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career."
Diomande stood out once again in Ivory Coast's 2-1 defeat to Germany on Saturday night, helping to set-up his team's only goal of the game with some impressive work on the wing.