David Ornstein confirms Yan Diomane prefers PSG move over Liverpool
Andoni Iraola dealt first big transfer blow at Anfield
Ivory Coast international wants to work with Luis Enrique
Liverpool’s interest in Yan Diomande is well documented, with the exciting winger showing his class at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, their hopes of signing him have been dashed, with David Ornstein confirming that he has his heart set on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool have already had a bid rejected for Diomande, who has quickly become one of the most wanted players in world football.
The Reds are on the lookout for an attacker to replace Mohamed Salah, but now, it appears as if they have to look elsewhere, as Diomande is seemingly on his way to Paris.
Yan Diomande prefers PSG over Liverpool
After making a name for himself at Leganes, Diomande was snapped up by RB Leipzig last summer, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp acting as the global head of football for the Red Bull group.
Due to the German’s close ties with the Reds, it looked as if Andoni Iraola’s side would have an advantage in the race for the 19-year-old.
In fact, all the reporting before today suggested that Diomande will be on his way to Liverpool, with the Premier League giants willing to break the bank to secure his signature.
However, The Athletic have confirmed via Ornstein that he prefers a move to PSG after being impressed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s project.
🚨 EXCL: Yan Diomande chooses Paris Saint-Germain as next destination if he departs RB Leipzig this summer. 19yo said to believe in #PSG project led by Al-Khelaifi / Campos / Enrique + wants chance to lift trophies regularly & win Balon D’Or @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/HYUUXtCSS8
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 28, 2026
Sporting director Luis Campos has earned rave reviews for his work recently, while Enrique has done his reputation no harm by winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League crowns in Paris.
Diomande’s clear preference is to move to PSG this summer if a transfer materialises, with the Ligue 1 giants now expected to step up their pursuit of him in the coming days.
Diomande alternatives for Liverpool
Replacing Salah is no small feat for the Reds as the Egyptian wrote his name into Anfield folklore and departed as one of the greatest players in the club’s decorated history.
Simply put, there isn’t a player out there who can replicate his numbers. However, considering Diomande’s development, his performances on the grandest stage and his underlying numbers, he seemed like the perfect man to take over the reigns from Salah.
[🟢] NEW: Liverpool are currently inclined to explore other targets after seeing an €80m + €20m bid rejected.
Liverpool had made their own progress on the player side, and haven't to date been directly told Diomande doesn't want to join. However, sources close Diomande say he… pic.twitter.com/sRGpfJ0xMR
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) June 28, 2026
Other names like Frieburg’s Said El Mala, PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo have been mentioned.
The Reds moved quickly to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, with the pacey winger initially believed to be close to a move to Newcastle United.
And with Diomande now set for a move to Paris, it remains to be seen what Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes do as it is clearly a massive blow for the Reds.