Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the Liverpool transfer target
Yan Diomande #11 of Cote d'Ivorie celebrates the goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
Liverpool are pursuing Yan Diomande(Image: Getty)
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Jurgen Klopp has proclaimed Liverpool target Yan Diomande one of the best wingers in the world. The Reds are ramping up their efforts to secure the second signing of the Andoni Iraola era.
Having already completed Victor Munoz’s transfer from Osasuna, Diomande’s arrival from RB Leipzig is seemingly next on Liverpool’s agenda. The 19-year-old, who can play on either wing, could cost around €100 million (£87m) this summer as the Reds look to replace club legend Mohamed Salah with serious quality.
Such a hefty price-tag is no small pressure on the teenager’s shoulders. But former Liverpool manager Klopp’s comments suggest the hype is well and truly deserved.
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Klopp, who left Anfield in 2024, has since been working as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, meaning he knows first hand just how talented Diomande is and what he is capable of. The Ivorian youngster came up against Klopp’s beloved Germany on Saturday night at World Cup 2026.
Prior to the Group E meeting, the Reds icon spoke glowingly about the youngster while appearing as a pundit for MagentaTV alongside Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller.
Klopp said: "Diomande is one of the best wingers in the world right now. He is unstoppable in one-on-one situations. Nobody defends Diomande for 90 minutes."
Jurgen Klopp attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the youngster(Image: Getty)
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He added: "You have to position yourself so that Yan has to move into the middle. And that's where the support is."
Reports from Germany suggest new head coach Iraola is already well aware of Diomande’s talents, with Liverpool said to have already submitted an offer which was turned down. It remains to be seen whether an improved bid will be tabled by the Reds, though they may need to take into account PSG's involvement now.
The European champions are also among the clubs interested in Diomande, though no formal approach has been made as of yet. The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Luis Enrique's side will only pursue Diomande if he signals his desire to join Paris, though he has also confirmed the Ligue 1 champions' interest in securing him.
It is no surprise that some of the best clubs on the continent are interested in his signature, having scored 12 goals in his first season in the Bundesliga this term. Diomande was in fine form again against Germany, setting up Ivory Coast’s opener before they fell to a stoppage time defeat.
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 impressed against Germany(Image: Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
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Diomande, who was substituted for former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe in the second half, has offered some clues regarding his future plans. He expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of moving to England this week when talking to Bein Sport, and suggested that his future will be resolved after the World Cup.
"Would I be open to the Premier League? I don't know," Diomande said. "I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out.
"As for me I am 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 am making the most of it and for the rest, we'll see."
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