Jurgen Klopp has described Liverpool target Yan Diomande as one of the best wingers on the planet, as the Reds intensify their pursuit of the RB Leipzig teenager. The 19-year-old Ivorian is expected to command a fee of around €100 million (£87 million) this summer, with Liverpool seeking a long-term replacement for club legend Mohamed Salah.
Klopp's Glowing Assessment
Klopp, who left Anfield in 2024 and now serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, shared his admiration for Diomande while appearing as a pundit on MagentaTV alongside Thomas Muller. Speaking ahead of Germany's World Cup 2026 Group E clash against Ivory Coast, Klopp said: "Diomande is one of the best wingers in the world right now. He is unstoppable in one-on-one situations. Nobody defends Diomande for 90 minutes." He added: "You have to position yourself so that Yan has to move into the middle. And that's where the support is."
Liverpool's Transfer Plans
Having already secured Victor Munoz's move from Osasuna, Liverpool are now focused on signing Diomande as the second major acquisition under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Reports from Germany indicate that Liverpool have already submitted a bid for the winger, which was rejected. It remains to be seen whether the Reds will return with an improved offer, especially with Paris Saint-Germain also showing interest.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, PSG will only pursue Diomande if the player expresses a clear desire to move to Paris, though he confirmed the Ligue 1 champions are monitoring the situation. Diomande's impressive debut Bundesliga campaign, in which he scored 12 goals, has attracted attention from several of Europe's elite clubs.
Diomande's World Cup Performance
Diomande showcased his talent against Germany, setting up Ivory Coast's opening goal before they suffered a stoppage-time defeat. He was substituted in the second half for former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe. Speaking to Bein Sport, Diomande hinted at a potential move to England: "Would I be open to the Premier League? I don't know. I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out. As for me, I am more focused on the World Cup, that's the most important thing. It doesn't happen all the time, it's only every four years, so I am making the most of it and for the rest, we'll see."
The young winger's comments suggest a decision on his future will be made after the World Cup, with Liverpool and PSG among the clubs waiting in the wings.
