Liverpool have expressed their willingness to pay RB Leipzig around £86m for Yan Diomande, who has become one of Europe's most sought-after attackers
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande(Image: (Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
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Liverpool have been dealt a huge transfer blow as Yan Diomande reportedly wants to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer if he leaves RB Leipzig. The Reds had identified Diomande as a top target to replace Mohamed Salah, having already secured Victor Munoz's services.
Liverpool told Leipzig earlier this month that they would pay about £86m for Diomande, a valuation equating to a package worth about €100m. The Ivory Coast star has become one of Europe's most sought-after attackers following an impressive first season in the Bundesliga.
But in a blow to Liverpool’s transfer hopes, The Athletic report that Diomande has chosen PSG as his next destination should a move away from Leipzig materialise this summer.
According to the report, the attacker not only believes the project in Paris gives him the best opportunity to compete for major trophies and the Ballon d'Or, but he also wants to play for Luis Enrique.
Diomande set up two-goal hero Nicolas Pepe on Thursday night as Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 to progress to the last-32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking after the game, Diomande made clear that his only focus at the minute was helping his country at the World Cup.
He said: "Right now, I don't know. I am not thinking about my future after the World Cup. I am trying to put all my energy into the World Cup and we will see what is going to happen after that. I can say nothing about."
Ivory Coast's Yan DIOMANDE prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group E match between Curacao and Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field on June 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande has reportedly decided on his next club(Image: Getty Images)
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Speaking back in April, Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff made it clear that Diomande was not for sale this summer.
He said: "I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us.
"No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive."
Before he added: "Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain.
"But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn't leave again after just one year.
"Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we'll have to see how he develops.
"We want to play in the Champions League. And that's naturally an argument for such a young player to then deliver what he's shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level.
"So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I'm completely relaxed about the whole matter."