Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt a significant transfer setback after one of Europe's most sought-after talents publicly declared his desire to play for Liverpool.
Anfield Ambition Revealed
RB Leipzig's 19-year-old attacker, Yan Diomande, has admitted he "dreams" of a future move to Anfield, despite intense scouting from the Gunners and the Red Devils. The Ivory Coast international, who has scored seven goals in 16 appearances since joining Leipzig from Leganes, made the revelation during a TikTok live stream.
"Yes I do, I want to play at Anfield and I want to play for Liverpool. I'm a big fan of Liverpool," Diomande stated. He explained that the ambition is deeply personal, adding, "I'm a big fan of Liverpool because my father's dream is to see me play at Anfield. So that's my dream. You know, to fulfil my father's dream is a dream for me too."
Major Financial and Sporting Hurdles
This public admission complicates the pursuit for other interested clubs, which reportedly include European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schafer, has been unequivocal about the club's stance on their prized asset.
Speaking to Kicker, Schafer emphasised their desire for continuity, stating it is their aim to keep players for longer than a single year. When directly questioned about who is in the driving seat regarding Diomande's future, he gave a telling reply: "There isn't even anyone sitting in the passenger seat. Everyone is sitting in the back seat."
Furthermore, Leipzig value the teenager at around €100 million (£87m), seeing him as essential to their Champions League qualification hopes. With a contract binding him to the German club until 2030, any move would require a monumental offer.
Liverpool's Complex Transfer Picture
While Diomande's comments will excite the Liverpool fanbase, a move in the near future appears unlikely. The Reds invested heavily in their attack last summer, bringing in Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz for substantial fees.
The long-term future of Mohamed Salah could yet become a factor, following the Egyptian's sensational outburst earlier this season. However, with Jeremie Frimpong also capable of playing in advanced positions, Liverpool's squad is currently well-stocked in forward areas.
Diomande, who is currently away with the Ivory Coast squad at the African Cup of Nations, has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the Bundesliga. His clear affinity for Liverpool, however, has now thrown a major spanner in the works for his other Premier League suitors.
