Liverpool's pursuit of Yan Diomande is continuing as the young winger impresses at this year's World Cup, with Gary Neville among those blown away by his performances
12:21, 22 Jun 2026
Gary Neville speaking on ITV during the World Cup
Gary Neville was blown away by Yan Diomande at the World Cup(Image: ITV Sport)
Gary Neville has joined the growing group of Yan Diomande fans as the Liverpool target continues to impress at the World Cup.
Diomande once again stood out as Ivory Coast was narrowly beaten by Germany on Saturday, with the African side only succumbing to a stoppage-time goal from Deniz Undav.
The 19-year-old’s performances have only served to underline why Liverpool has made him its primary target this summer, with the Reds’ pursuit stepping up in recent days. Liverpool.com understands the club has made it clear to RB Leipzig that it would be willing to do a deal at around $115 million (€100M).
Reports elsewhere have claimed that a bid has already been made and rejected, with an improved offer said to be in the pipeline. Liverpool though could face competition from Paris Saint-Germain amid suggestions of a bidding war.
If that is the case, Leipzig will be in a strong position to demand big money, with Diomande’s stock rising even further at the World Cup.
“Diomande on this left-hand side has been absolutely brilliant,” former Manchester United captain Neville said on ITV about his performance against Germany. “Even when they double or triple up, it’s not enough to contain him. He’s too good.”
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 20: 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. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande has impressed at this year's World Cup(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Ian Wright agreed, saying: “He’s lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant; his taking on is brilliant; his pace is scary.”
Neville and Wright join a growing list of admirers, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp - who could play a big role in Diomande’s future as Red Bull’s head of global soccer - having also been wowed by the teenager.
"Diomande is one of the best wingers in the world right now,” Klopp told MagentaTV. “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."
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Diomande has not yet made a final decision on his future, although he did seem to leave the door open to a move to England, which could encourage Liverpool.
"Would I be open to the Premier League? I don't know," Diomande said last week. "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."