Liverpool transfer target and current RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande poured cold water on a potential move to Liverpool this summer with a new end-of-season interview
16:11, 18 May 2026
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande is one of Liverpool's top transfer targets(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's primary right winger for almost a decade, has just one game left with the Reds as his stunning tenure with the Merseyside club comes to an end, and all attention has turned to who will replace him.
Liverpool is expected to dip into the transfer market for an alternative, and RB Leipzig's 19-year-old sensation Yan Diomande has regularly popped up as a name to watch, fueled by his November comments that his father is a fan of the Reds.
After Leipzig's season-ending contest on Saturday — a lackluster 4-1 loss to Freiburg — the Ivorian winger was asked if he plans to remain with the German side next season. His brief answer of "yes" will surely sting Liverpool supporters.
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“I’m not thinking about [my future] right now. I’m at Leipzig, and I enjoy playing here," Diomande added. "In the end, it’s always the statistics that count. It’s been a fantastic year for me.”
He was playing high school soccer in the United States just a few years ago. Spanish side Leganes took a chance on Leganes and sold the winger to RB Leipzig last summer for a fee just under $23 million.
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande is expected to start for the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Diomande exploded in the. Bundesliga, winning the league's Rookie of the Year award after tallying 12 goals and eight assists in 28 starts for the side finishing in third place.
His breakout season, in which he led the league with 3.6 dribbles per contest, saw him named to the Ivory Coast's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande was Leipzig's second-leading Bundesliga scorer(Image: Getty Images)
Leipzig was reportedly discussing a new deal with Diamande in early April, one that came with an increased base salary and a potential release clause.
He answered questions about transfer speculation to various clubs in an April interview with Africa Foot. "I’m here, and first and foremost, I’m healthy and working hard every day," he said.
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"Hearing these rumors about big clubs like PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, and others interested in me gives me even more motivation to work. I keep smiling, stay upbeat, and keep pushing forward.”
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“My job is on the pitch, and I’m fully committed to my current club. As for the rest, I have a team that takes care of everything. I don’t stress about it. I play for Leipzig and enjoy it.”
If Liverpool is unable to sign Diomande, the Reds may turn their attention to other targets, such as Bradley Barcola, Mohamed Kudus, and others, to replace the void left by the departing Salah.