RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been a standout performer for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup and his performances have not gone unnoticed
Matthew Abbott
08:56, 23 Jun 2026
Yan Diomande during an Ivory Coast game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Yan Diomande has impressed at the World Cup amid links with a move to Liverpool(Image: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Yan Diomande left Gary Neville and Ian Wright thoroughly impressed with his display for the Ivory Coast against Germany at the World Cup. Liverpool are ramping up their efforts to sign the RB Leipzig winger following weeks of negotiations over the teenage forward and he has already made a considerable impression.
Diomande, 19, provided the assist for his country's goal against the four-time world champions, delivering the cross that their opponents failed to deal with before Franck Kessie broke the deadlock. The winger had also caught the eye in their opening fixture against Ecuador.
It was Amad who grabbed the headlines in that match, netting a 90th-minute winner. Diomande, however, shone on Saturday evening despite Germany ultimately running out 2-1 victors.
Speaking during the interval, when Kessie's strike still separated the two sides, Manchester United icon Neville was full of admiration. The pundit remarked on UK broadcaster ITV: "On the counterattack, they've got massive strength down that left-hand side with Diomande. A little bit of Amad on the right, but mainly Diomande on this left-hand side, he's been absolutely brilliant."
Ex-Everton striker Duncan Ferguson added: "The big players turned up, didn't they? Diomande, great pace down the left-hand side, and it was a great delivery.
"He's had a fantastic game, and (Joshua) Kimmich has really struggled against him." Neville then said: "He's one of the most experienced right-backs in the world, and he's toiling in this first half."
Arsenal icon Ian Wright interjected: "He looks afraid of him," to which Neville agreed, saying: "He is.
Yan Diomande during an Ivory Coast game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Yan Diomande has impressed at the World Cup(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
"He's a 19-year-old kid; they've had 56 per cent of their attacks down that side, which is massive. And I've been there as an ageing right-back when you've got a young kid who's fearless, and it's not pleasant."
Wright continued: "He's definitely lived up to the hype. They've just taken over, and he, in particular, Diomande, has just gone to another level in the game, lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant; he's just absolutely tearing them to pieces."
Neville then explained: "When you've got someone who's skilful, who can go both ways, and he's quick, you need support. They're trying to get over three or four German players now, are trying to get over near Diomande, but even that, at times, isn't enough."
Liverpool have considerably intensified their negotiations with RB Leipzig following weeks of dialogue. The Reds have offered £86m for the winger having already secured Victor Munoz, but they may have to step up their efforts with Leipzig content to hold out for as big a fee as possible.
Yan Diomande during an Ivory Coast game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Liverpool are set to step up their efforts to sign Yan Diomande(Image: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Despite already bringing in Spanish international Munoz, Liverpool emains focused on recruiting another wide forward following Mohamed Salah's departure and Hugo Ekitike's ruptured Achilles injury sidelining him until next year. However, Leipzig are believed to be demanding closer to £112m and would prefer Diomande to sign a new contract rather than agreeing to a sale.
Reports in the German press on Tuesday evening claimed that Leipzig are happy for the saga to continue given Diomande's value, in their opinion, will only go up.
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It was also claimed that the club and Diomande's representatives remain in contact about a potential new contract for the winger.