RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande should take “the example of Florian Wirtz” this summer and snub a move to Liverpool.
That’s at least the opinion of German icon Stefan Freund. He believes another year would be best for the 20-year-old rising talent. SportBILD report comments from Freund today.
Liverpool’s €100m bid
Yan Diomande is the rising star of Europe, with Liverpool firmly in the mix to sign him this summer. The Reds see him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah and have already seen a €100m bid rejected by the German side.
Andoni Iraola’s side are now reportedly set to make a second bid for the winger. PSG remain interested on the sidelines too. Freund, though, would not like to see him make the move to Anfield this summer.
“He should stay in Leipzig for another year,” he said.
“If he maintains his excellent form next season, he can still move to a big club. Because the next move will bring pressure – much more pressure than he’s faced so far.
“He can afford to have the odd bad game in Leipzig. If he leaves now, and if it’s not the right club, he’ll take a step back.”
Wirtz example
The biggest issue for Freund is the pressure and expectation that Yan Diomande will face when making such a move.
He’s fearful of a repeat of what happened with Florian Wirtz this season. The midfielder made a €120m move to Liverpool last summer but struggled in his first season in England.
“Physically, he should be able to manage it,” he added.
“But take Florian Wirtz as an example: he’s joined the reigning champion and was expected to win the title straight away. The pressure on him is immense.
“In the Premier League, he’s up against better full backs than in the Bundesliga. It’s a different kettle of fish – it’s a real battle there.”