Yan Diomande snub is 'no surprise' as Liverpool transfer claim made
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RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande has been a long-term target for Liverpool, but the teenager appears to prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain over the Reds07:59, 04 Jul 2026Updated 07:59, 04 Jul 2026(Image: Stacy Revere, Getty Images)Former Arsenal, Chelsea and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has revealed he is "not surprised" that Yan Diomande appears to favour a switch to Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool, while also issuing a cautionary message to Ibrahima Konate following his departure from the Reds.RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Diomande, 19, had been identified as one of Liverpool's primary transfer targets this summer, with club officials reportedly willing to invest approximately $114 million to secure the Bundesliga star's signature.However, it came to light last week that Diomande would sooner join PSG than Liverpool if he leaves Leipzig this summer, with the European champions eager to bolster their already formidable attacking options with the teenage sensation.Petit, who famously netted in the World Cup final as France lifted the trophy in 1998, believes the Ligue 1 title holders represent the ideal destination for Diomande to develop his game, particularly with the departure of Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan freeing up space in their forward line."Yan Diomande has great quality," Petit told Jackpot City Casino. They sold Goncalo Ramos at a huge price, and Diomande has been a target for a long time, reports the Liverpool Echo."I am not surprised he wants to join PSG to win titles and fight for the Champions League every season under Luis Enrique.Yan Diomande was originally Liverpool's top transfer target(Image: Getty Images)"I think he will have chances to play often.
So I'm not surprised he has picked PSG over Liverpool."Meanwhile, Petit has expressed confidence in his fellow Frenchman Konate to thrive following his free transfer to Real Madrid.The France centre-back, who has featured for just 14 minutes at the World Cup, departed Liverpool when his contract expired this summer after making 183 appearances for the Reds, claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups during his tenure, and will now ply his trade with the Spanish giants."It was a difficult season for Ibrahima Konate off the pitch and the whole defence at Liverpool was struggling," Petit continued. "Konate lost his position in the national team, against Norway, he was on the bench.
He is joining probably the biggest club in the world."It will be tough, but he has the quality. He was a regular first-team player for Liverpool for years, and it is a huge step for him going to Madrid, but I believe in his quality."