News Focus
- The 19-year-old has netted 13 goals in 35 matches for Leipzig this term
- Liverpool view him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah
- The player holds a contract with the German club until 2030
- Diomande will represent Côte d’Ivoire at the upcoming World Cup
- He previously had trials with Chelsea and Crystal Palace before joining Leganés
RB Leipzig’s rising star Yan Diomande has told reporters he is ignoring speculation about his future. The 19-year-old winger has become one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting talents this season.
The Ivorian attacker joined Leipzig from CD Leganés last summer for €20 million. He has since contributed 13 goals and nine assists across 35 matches in all competitions. His displays have caught the eye of several major clubs across Europe.
Premier League side Liverpool reportedly view him as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah. Chelsea and Real Madrid have also shown interest in securing his signature.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Diomande admitted the attention feels rewarding. He stated that hearing big clubs mention his name brings happiness and drive. However, he stressed that he does not think about transfers during matches.
The teenager explained that his only concern is performing on the pitch. He leaves all external matters outside the stadium. His current deal with Leipzig runs until 2030, leaving four years remaining.
Some reports suggest Leipzig could demand €100 million for his services. Despite this, Diomande says he is not planning to leave. He wants to finish the season strongly with his club. After that, he will turn his attention to representing Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup.
Diomande expressed deep gratitude towards his current employers. He noted that Leipzig took a significant gamble paying €20 million for an unknown player. He feels he must repay this trust through hard work.
The player also revealed the club has supported his family off the pitch. He promised to continue giving maximum effort in every match as thanks for this help.
Earlier in his career, Diomande trained with Chelsea and Crystal Palace. This occurred during the 2023/24 season before he chose Leganés. He admitted he was young and unaware of the discussions between his agent and those English teams.
Looking ahead, Diomande has set ambitious targets. He aims to become one of the finest footballers in both Africa and Europe. He described this season as incredible, highlighting his Africa Cup of Nations appearance and Champions League qualification.
The winger acknowledged that his rapid rise surprised him. He maintains a step-by-step approach to his career development. He recognises that football can bring unexpected changes, but for now, he calls himself a Leipzig player.