RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has clarified recent statements regarding his preferred clubs, stating that while he holds Liverpool in high regard, the Premier League side is his father’s favorite team, not necessarily his own “dream club.” The 19-year-old’s comments come amid increasing speculation linking him with a summer transfer to Anfield, as well as interest from Bayern Munich.
Diomande’s initial remarks, made during a TikTok live stream last month, fueled reports that Liverpool was his ultimate destination. He explicitly stated his desire to play at Anfield and his admiration for the club. However, in a recent interview with BILD, the Ivory Coast international walked back those assertions, attributing his enthusiasm to his father’s lifelong passion for the Reds.
“People made it out to be my dream club. But it’s my dad’s favourite club,” Diomande explained. “It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield. He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn’t even have a TV at home for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig.”
The clarification arrives as Diomande continues to impress in the Bundesliga, having scored seven goals in 20 appearances this season. His performances have naturally attracted attention from several of Europe’s top clubs, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich consistently mentioned as potential suitors. The situation is further complicated by the existing relationship between Leipzig and Liverpool, with both Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai having made the move from the Red Bull-owned club to Merseyside in recent years.
Liverpool’s interest in Diomande is understood to stem from a need to bolster their attacking options. The club sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich last summer and has yet to adequately replace the Colombian winger. Concerns also exist regarding the long-term future of Mohamed Salah, potentially prompting the Reds to proactively seek a replacement. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has also been linked with a move to Anfield, suggesting that a wide player is a priority for manager Arne Slot.
The financial implications of a potential deal for Diomande are significant. RB Leipzig is known for its robust valuation of its players, having successfully negotiated substantial transfer fees for stars like Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, and Christopher Nkunku. While no specific figure has been publicly disclosed, it is anticipated that Leipzig would demand a substantial fee – potentially exceeding £100 million – for the highly sought-after winger.
Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp, the recently departed Liverpool manager, now holds a position within the Red Bull organization as Head of Global Soccer. This role gives him oversight of RB Leipzig and other clubs within the Red Bull network. Diomande acknowledged conversations with Klopp, stating that the legendary manager encourages him to remain humble and continue working hard. “It was always my dream to play on one of his teams,” Diomande said, adding that while that may not be immediately possible, simply interacting with Klopp is “incredible.”
Despite the links to Liverpool, Diomande emphasized his current commitment to RB Leipzig. He stated that his “dream club right now is Leipzig,” highlighting his satisfaction with his development and opportunities at the German club. This sentiment suggests that any potential move would require a compelling offer from a suitor capable of meeting Leipzig’s financial demands and providing Diomande with a clear pathway to continued growth.
The established transfer pathway between Leipzig and Liverpool could facilitate negotiations, but it doesn’t guarantee a deal. The success of previous transfers – Konate and Szoboszlai – demonstrates a willingness from both clubs to do business, but each player’s situation is unique. The potential for a bidding war with Bayern Munich further complicates matters, potentially driving up the transfer fee and making a deal even more challenging for Liverpool.
The situation underscores the increasingly complex dynamics of the European transfer market, where player preferences, familial influences, and club relationships all play a role in determining outcomes. While Diomande’s initial comments generated excitement among Liverpool fans, his subsequent clarification highlights the importance of nuanced reporting and the need to avoid premature conclusions. For now, the young winger remains focused on his development at RB Leipzig, while Liverpool continues to assess its options for strengthening its attacking lineup.
