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Yan Diomande has reportedly chosen Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred destination should he leave RB Leipzig this summer.
The 19-year-old is said to be convinced by PSG’s long-term project under chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, football adviser Luis Campos, and manager Luis Enrique, with the winger viewing a move to Paris as the best route to regular trophies and long-term development.
Liverpool had previously indicated willingness to structure a package worth around €100m (£86.8m), but Leipzig were not prepared to accept the offer and have been holding out for closer to €130m while also attempting to secure the player on new terms.
Diomande signed a contract running until 2030 when he arrived from Leganes last summer. The winger is currently at the World Cup with Ivory Coast and is expected to feature against Norway in the round of 32 in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.
RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer earlier dismissed claims that Yan Diomande will leave the club this summer.
“Our clear intention is: Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year,” Schafer said. “In principle, we still have a four-year contract and hold all the cards. Therefore, the current developments are primarily a recognition of his performance. Nothing more and nothing less.
“And if we can’t find a solution, then we can’t – but he’ll still have a four-year contract. So, to reiterate: Yan Diomande will remain a Leipzig player.”
However, Diomande has responded to the speculation himself, suggesting he’s expected to leave the club as his future is being handled by his representatives.
Diomande said at a pre-match press conference ahead of the Norway tie: “I don’t have Instagram anymore, so I’m not keeping up with anything, but I expect to go. I have an agent who takes care of the rest.”
Yan Diomande, who is capable of playing on either wing, missed just one Bundesliga match last season due to international duty.
He registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances, helping RB Leipzig secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Should he depart, Diomande would likely become Leipzig’s record sale, surpassing the fees received for players such as Benjamin Sesko and Josko Gvardiol.