Liverpool are targeting RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, and former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has declared the 19-year-old one of the best wingers in the world during World Cup 2026
07:29, 22 Jun 2026Updated 07:42, 22 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp was impressed with what he saw
Jurgen Klopp was impressed with what he saw(Image: Getty)
Jurgen Klopp has hailed Liverpool target Yan Diomande as one of the finest wingers on the planet. The Reds are stepping up their pursuit of what would be the second signing of the Andoni Iraola era.
Having already wrapped up Victor Munoz's move from Osasuna, the arrival of Diomande from RB Leipzig appears to be next on Liverpool's agenda. The 19-year-old, capable of operating on either flank, could command a fee of around $115 million (£87m) this summer as the Reds seek a worthy replacement for club legend Mohamed Salah.
Such a substantial price tag places no small amount of pressure on the teenager's shoulders. Yet the glowing endorsement from former Liverpool boss Klopp suggests the excitement surrounding him is entirely justified.
Klopp, who departed Anfield in 2024, has since taken up the role of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, giving him an intimate understanding of Diomande's abilities and potential. The young Ivorian faced Klopp's beloved Germany on Saturday evening at World Cup 2026.
Ahead of the Group E encounter, the Anfield icon spoke effusively about the youngster while appearing as a pundit on MagentaTV alongside Bayern Munich great 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."
He added: "You have to position yourself so that Yan has to move into the middle. And that's where the support is."
Yan Diomande in action against Germany
Yan Diomande in action against Germany(Image: Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
Reports emerging from Germany indicate that new head coach Iraola is already well acquainted with Diomande's abilities, with Liverpool reportedly having already lodged a bid that was rejected. Whether the Reds will return with an improved offer remains to be seen, though they may now need to factor in PSG's interest.
The European champions are also amongst the clubs keeping tabs on Diomande, although no official approach has been made as 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 comes as little surprise that some of Europe's finest clubs are vying for his signature, having netted 12 goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign. Diomande was once again in impressive form against Germany, providing the assist for Ivory Coast's opener before they succumbed to a stoppage-time defeat.
Yan Diomande has impressed at the World Cup
Yan Diomande has impressed at the World Cup(Image: Getty)
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Diomande, who was substituted for former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe in the second half, has dropped a few hints regarding his future. Speaking to Bein Sport this week, he expressed excitement at the prospect of a move to England, and suggested that his future would 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."