Liverpool looks to have moved on from Yan Diomande after the RB Leipzig winger chose PSG, but now Manchester United is said to be confident of landing him in what would be a humiliating switch for the Reds
08:41, 16 Jul 2026
Yan Diomande celebrates during an RB Leipzig game
Yan Diomande celebrates during an RB Leipzig game(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Manchester United believes it has moved into 'pole position' to secure RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, according to reports.
The 19-year-old attacker has emerged as one of the most coveted young talents in global football following an impressive breakthrough 2025/26 campaign at Leipzig. Diomande netted 13 goals and registered 10 assists across 36 outings as Leipzig claimed third place in the Bundesliga and earned qualification for the Champions League.
He subsequently represented Ivory Coast at the World Cup, demonstrating flashes of his ability with one assist in four matches, before his country exited at the last-32 stage following defeat to Norway.
Transfer speculation surrounding his future has intensified amid expectations that Diomande will depart Leipzig during the summer window. Prior to the World Cup's commencement, Liverpool appeared to lead the race for the forward's services, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City also strongly positioned.
However, German publication BILD now reports that United considers itself in 'pole position' to capture Diomande's signature. Michael Carrick is eager to bolster his attacking options, with Diomande identified as a priority target for the Red Devils, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Nevertheless, Liverpool, City and PSG maintain their confidence in overcoming United's challenge for Diomande and regard themselves as equally strong contenders. Liverpool remain the sole club to have lodged a formal bid for Diomande, though Leipzig rejected the Reds' offer of around $115 million.
Yan Diomande before an Ivory Coast game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Yan Diomande before an Ivory Coast game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup(Image: Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
While several other interested parties are reportedly preparing to table offers, none are willing to exceed that figure for the player.
With Leipzig holding firm on its $138 million (£102M) valuation, the German club is confident of retaining Diomande this summer and is actively working to secure him on improved contract terms. The player himself is understood to be eager for a move and is said to have given assurances to a number of clubs regarding his intentions.
Diomande was quizzed about a possible transfer last month during the World Cup and suggested his future would become clearer once the tournament concluded. Speaking after the Ivory Coast's 2-0 victory over Curacao, which secured their place in the Round of 32, he said: "I don't know.
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"I'm not thinking about my future after the World Cup. I'm trying to put all my energy into the World Cup, and then I'll see what's happening after. I can say nothing about that."
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Liverpool.com says: Surely not. It'd be one thing for Liverpool to miss out on Diomande after seemingly leading the race for his signature, but for United to swoop in and hijack the deal would be the ultimate humiliation for the Reds.
Even if United thinks it's in a good position, PSG looks to be actually leading the race, and considering Diomande has chosen the French club over Liverpool already, you'd have to imagine if he's going anywhere this summer, it would be to Paris.