Manchester United reportedly considers itself to be in 'pole position' to sign Yan Diomande as Liverpool could face losing another top target to its biggest rival
14:35, 16 Jul 2026
DALLAS, UNITED STATES - 2026/06/30: Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast seen in action during FIFA World Cup 2026 football match between Ivory Coast and Norway at AT&T Stadium . Final score; Ivory Coast 1:2 Norway. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande's future is still unclear as he eyes a move to PSG(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool could face another missing out on another transfer to Manchester United, with the Reds’ rivals said to be eyeing up a sensational hijack for Yan Diomande.
The RB Leipzig winger is one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s transfer window following a brilliant debut season in the Bundesliga, as well as some eye-catching displays at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast.
Diomande had been Liverpool’s primary target for much of the summer, with the Reds having made it clear to Leipzig it was willing to do a deal worth around $115 million - an offer that was turned down by the German club.
Before Liverpool could decide whether to return with an improved bid, Diomande looked to have ruled himself out of a move to Anfield, with reports indicating that he had decided upon a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead.
Subsequent reports from Germany have indicated that the European champions are close to coming to an agreement with the 19-year-old, although Leipzig is still aiming to keep him for another year.
There is another twist in the tale though, and one that could see United embarrass Liverpool. According to BILD, the Old Trafford club considers itself to be in “pole position” for Diomande’s signing as it also looks to bolster its attacking options.
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It should be noted that the report also states that Liverpool, PSG and even Manchester City feel they’re in the same position, but the thought that United could end up hijacking PSG’s deal after the Reds spent so long pursuing Diomande is not one that Liverpool fans will hope becomes a reality - especially after what happened a couple of years ago.
Back in 2024, with Arne Slot having just been unveiled as head coach and Richard Hughes arriving as sporting director, Leny Yoro was attracting all the interest during the transfer window.
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro
Manchester United swooped in to sign Leny Yoro in 2024 after reported interest from Liverpool(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Liverpool was rumored to be in the running for the signature of one of Europe’s most promising defenders, and he looked as though he would be the perfect heir to Virgil van Dijk at Anfield. Alas, the Reds decided against making a move, partly due to the belief that Yoro was heading to Real Madrid.
That appeared to be the case until United swooped in and agreed a deal worth an initial $67 million, leaving Liverpool fans thoroughly bemused after being beaten by its biggest rival to what seemed to be its ideal signing.
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It looks as though United is a long way off repeating the feat this summer with Diomande, given PSG’s negotiations with the winger look to be pretty well advanced. Liverpool fans will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself though, given just how humiliating it would be to see the club’s top target head to Old Trafford instead.