Liverpool Given 'Definite' Yan Diomande Transfer Update as Leipzig Chief Makes $106M Statement

Liverpool have received a significant update on their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the German club's supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff confirming the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international will "definitely" stay for the 2025/26 season.[2]

Diomande has exploded onto the scene since his €20 million transfer from Leganés last summer, notching seven goals and four assists in 16-18 appearances across competitions.[1][2][3] His pace, quick feet, and productivity—highlighted by a hat-trick in a 6-0 rout of Eintracht Frankfurt—have drawn interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and PSG.[1][2][3] Liverpool view him as the ideal long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, a "perfect fit" for Arne Slot's system, and hold the "strongest" interest, with reports of a forthcoming formal approach.[3]

However, Leipzig have ruled out a January sale and set a staggering €100 million (£87m / $106m) valuation to start talks, potentially making Diomande one of football's priciest teenagers.[1][2][5] Mintzlaff emphasized retaining young talents post their first Bundesliga season, stating, "You simply can’t let go of such a young player... after only one year."[2] A summer 2026 move is also off the table, with Diomande's contract running to 2030; Leipzig may hold firm until 2027.[2][4]

The teen's self-confessed fandom for Liverpool adds intrigue: "I want to play at Anfield... My father dreams of seeing me play there," he shared on TikTok.[1] Leipzig's signing of Suleiman Sani hints at contingency planning, while Mintzlaff acknowledged past sales for revenue and development.[1][2] Despite Jürgen Klopp's past endorsement, a blockbuster saga looms for summer 2027.[1][4]

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