Report: Liverpool set to battle Man City in the race to sign Bundesliga forward | OneFootball

Rising Interest in Yan Diomandé Signals Major 2026 Transfer Narrative

RB Leipzig have built a reputation for spotting young stars early, nurturing them with patience, and eventually selling them for transformative fees. In Yan Diomandé, they may have their most exciting project yet. The 19 year old winger has exploded onto the Bundesliga stage this season, delivering seven goals and four assists in just 15 appearances, and those numbers only tell part of the story.

Caught Offside report that sources within the agents industry believe almost every major European club has now taken notice, setting the stage for what could become one of the biggest transfer sagas of 2026. One insider states that top sides across the continent view Diomandé as “one of the most dynamic wingers in Europe.”

Elite Clubs Tracking Bundesliga Breakout

The scale of interest around Diomandé feels reminiscent of Christopher Nkunku before his Premier League move. Scouts from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all watched him closely. Caught Offside note that Liverpool and City have stepped up their efforts since October, with multiple in person assessments.

Photo: IMAGO

From Spain to Germany, the attention continues. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and PSG have all registered their admiration, creating a scouting queue that speaks volumes about the winger’s ceiling. Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer even stated that Diomandé represents “everything that defines the Leipzig project, scouting, patience, and player growth.”

Long Contract Gives Leipzig Full Control

With a deal running until 2030 and no release clause, Leipzig hold all the leverage. Their model has always been clear, they only sell when the timing and the price suit them. Insiders estimate that Diomandé’s valuation could fall between €80 million and €100 million, echoing Leipzig’s record departures like Josko Gvardiol’s switch to Manchester City.

Caught Offside also reveal that he earns around €750,000 per year, which is modest by the standards of elite prospects. That makes a future move attractive to buying clubs, but it also gives Leipzig time. They do not need to sell, they do not feel financial pressure, and they are expected to offer him an improved deal.

Possibility of a Premier League Battle

Leipzig’s coaching staff reportedly view Diomandé as a generational prospect. With Premier League interest intensifying, comparisons to Dominik Szoboszlai’s journey to Liverpool are inevitable. While Leipzig intend to keep him for at least one more season, the momentum behind his rise suggests that his Bundesliga stay may be time limited.

Caught Offside quote multiple sources predicting a fierce transfer contest, shaped by scouting persistence, long term squad plans, and the financial muscle required to convince Leipzig to negotiate. One agent is even quoted as saying, “Clubs know he could become world class. This is only the beginning.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, stories like this always spark imagination. Diomandé fits the profile of player that Liverpool have tracked for years, high ceiling, early development in a data driven environment, and the physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League. The report that Liverpool have watched him multiple times since October tallies with how the club typically move behind the scenes, especially under the renewed recruitment structure shaped around Arne Slot’s winning start.

The question for Liverpool will be timing. With Leipzig holding all the cards and no release clause in sight, any deal would require patience and significant financial commitment. But Liverpool have good history with Leipzig transfers and their admiration for players built in that system is well documented.

Supporters will also wonder how Diomandé could fit into a squad already rich with wide attacking talent. His pace, direct running and ability to glide past defenders feel suited to the evolving patterns under Slot, particularly when Liverpool look to refresh the forward line in the coming seasons.

If his valuation moves toward the €100 million bracket, the competition between Liverpool and Manchester City could become another chapter in their ongoing recruitment rivalry. For now, fans will keep him on the radar, recognising that the Premier League often becomes the final destination for Leipzig’s best.