Leipzig stand firm over Yan Diomande transfer with Liverpool target at center of legal dispute
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RB Leipzig are standing firm on keeping Yan Diomande this summer, dealing Liverpool a major blow in their pursuit of the 19-year-old and potentially freeing Bradley Barcola to leave PSG — a move that could impact Arsenal's transfer plans.Liverpool have been linked with a summer transfer swoop for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.(Image: (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images))RB Leipzig is insisting that Liverpool target Yan Diomande will not be leaving the club this summer despite interest from across Europe.The Reds have placed the 19 year old Ivory Coast international high on their list of priorities and are prepared to go head-to-head with European giants PSG for his signature after the departure of Mohamed Salah.However, Leipzig's hierarchy are ready to rebuff substantial offers having secured Champions League football for next season. Their uncompromising stance could therefore hinder Liverpool's prospects of landing the highly sought-after teenager, while also complicating matters surrounding PSG's Bradley Barcola, who is also on Arsenal's radar.READ MORE: Jeremy Jacquet explains Chelsea snub and names two stars who convinced him on Liverpool transferREAD MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Yan Diomande talks, Alisson latest, Bradley Barcola movePSG are poised to entertain offers for Barcola — who has just two years remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes — should they be able to secure the $114 million (£85 million)-rated Diomande, who finds himself at the center of a legal dispute, reports the Mirror.The forward signed with Jay-Z's agency Roc Nation Sports in February, but rival firm Maxidel — owned by former Leeds man Max Gradel — claim Diomande remains "contractually bound" to their roster.At the start of the year, Maxidel claimed they had renewed terms with the Ivorian talent before he allegedly switched representation.Mirror Football understands the Court of Arbitration for Sport is now investigating the matter and has registered a case which will require Diomande to comply.This is partly why there is a strong possibility he will remain in Germany, particularly given that it is also a World Cup year.
Manchester United had also expressed interest, which has since waned as they're focusing on a midfield rebuild for Michael Carrick.Leipzig's track record suggests they're willing to sell, but there's crucial context to bear in mind.Yan Diomande is in demand this summerLast summer, when they offloaded Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and Xavi Simons to Tottenham, they were facing financial strain after failing to secure European qualification entirely.Circumstances are different this time round, and amidst all the turmoil, Leipzig are also working to extend Diomande's contract, which already runs until 2030, and they have also internally discussed including a release clause.His existing deal doesn't contain a buy-out option, having only joined the Germans for approximately £17.3m from CD Leganes last July.The player himself also recently stated in an interview with Kicker that he'd be staying with RB Leipzig next term.The left-winger notched 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this season, claiming the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Year award.Diomande had previously failed trials with Chelsea, Rangers and Bournemouth before his major breakthrough season in Spain.Given £116.5m Florian Wirtz has struggled to settle in the Premier League, it's hard to imagine Liverpool investing substantial funds for a relatively unpolished prospect who was playing college football in Florida as recently as 2024.