The race to sign one of Europe’s most exciting young talents is heating up. Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger at RB Leipzig, has emerged as a top target for Liverpool — but the player himself reportedly prefers a move to Paris St-Germain.

Who is Yan Diomande?

Diomande is a 19-year-old winger from Ivory Coast who plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He joined Leipzig from Spanish club Leganes in the summer of 2025 on a five-year contract.

Despite his young age, Diomande has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in European football. His pace, dribbling ability, and directness on the wing have caught the attention of several top clubs across the continent.

Liverpool’s Interest and Rejected Bid

Liverpool have been tracking Diomande for some time and made their move this summer. The Reds submitted an initial bid of £69 million, plus £17 million in add-ons, which was rejected by Leipzig.

The German club are expected to demand around £129 million for the young winger — a price that would make him one of the most expensive transfers in football history.

Leipzig have made it clear they are under no financial pressure to sell and are even prepared to offer Diomande an improved contract to keep him for at least another season.

Why PSG Lead the Race

Despite Liverpool’s interest, Diomande himself would prefer to join Paris St-Germain. The French champions are planning a summer of high-profile additions to strengthen their squad further.

PSG’s summer planning is being led by chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, sporting adviser Luis Campos, and manager Luis Enrique. The club is aiming to add one or two marquee signings to a squad that won a second successive Champions League title and another Ligue 1 crown last season.

The move to Paris could be appealing for several reasons. PSG offer a clear path to regular football, Champions League football every season, and the chance to work under Luis Enrique, who has a track record of developing young talent.

PSG’s Summer Reshuffle

PSG’s pursuit of Diomande could be balanced by several departures. Striker Goncalo Ramos is expected to join AC Milan in a deal worth around £63 million.

Further exits are also anticipated, including midfielder Lee Kang-in and forward Randal Kolo Muani. These sales would help fund a move for Diomande while also creating space in the squad for new arrivals.

Liverpool’s Alternative Targets

Liverpool are also known to admire PSG winger Bradley Barcola, although sources in Paris say the French club are keen to extend his contract and keep him at the Parc des Princes.

The Reds have already made one signing this summer, bringing in Spain winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million. Munoz is the first arrival since Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot as head coach at Anfield.

With Iraola now in charge, Liverpool are clearly looking to reshape their attacking options. Whether Diomande becomes part of that rebuild or ends up in Paris remains to be seen.

What to Watch

This transfer saga is far from over. Here are the key things to keep an eye on in the coming weeks:

  • PSG’s formal approach: The French club are expected to make their move soon, but will they meet Leipzig’s £129 million valuation?
  • Liverpool’s response: Will the Reds return with an improved bid, or will they turn their attention elsewhere?
  • Diomande’s preference: The player’s desire to join PSG could be the deciding factor, regardless of what Liverpool offer.
  • Leipzig’s stance: Can the German club hold firm, or will financial reality force their hand?

The summer transfer window is only getting started, and the battle for Yan Diomande’s signature promises to be one of the defining sagas of the window.