By Steven Northover
Liverpool's long running chase of RB Leipzig's Ivorian winger Yan Diomande appears to be proven fruitless as the 19-year-old appears to have chosen the current European Champions as his preferred destination - should he turn down a contract extension offered from the German side.
Despite being open to a move to Anfield, Diomande is said to drawn to PSG's long term plans under their Qatari owners, as well as working under Luis Enrique, and sees PSG as his best chance to win more trophies, and ultimately win the Ballon D'or according to David Ornstein (The Athletic)
Latest:
Credit: Sky Sports
To lose out on one of the most talented youngsters in world football, who is currently lighting up World Cup 2026, is extremely disappointing for Liverpool - especially as the Reds having been keeping track of Diomande for a number of years. However, Negotiations had been close to reaching an impasse between Liverpool and Leipzig, with the German club already turning down three bids from the Reds this summer.
On Liverpool's part, there has always been a contingency plan should the Diomande transfer faulter, with Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuna Minteh, Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, and German Midfielder Said El Mala all see as alternatives, as they look for a replacement for Mo Salah. Indeed, Diomande's probable move to PSG would also facilitate the exit of Bradley Barcola from the back-to-back Champions League Winners.
Credit: TNT Sports
Barcola, who is also currently in the North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France, has been open to a move away from the Parc des Princes, with Liverpool being rumoured to be his preferred destination - however current Premier League champions Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested in the 23-year-old. However, all of this may only come to pass should Diomande decide not to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig, and PSG agree a fee (rumoured to be between a €130 to €150 million), or this could end being postponed until next summer where Yan Diomande will be free agent.
Either way, it seems that Liverpool will need too move on quickly. With the World Cup now entering its knockput phase, the international transfer market is likely to liven up, all the while Liverpool will be keen to get some semblance of a set starting line up before preseason starts in less than a month's time.
Add comment
Comments