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

Yan Diomande Transfer Race Heats Up as Liverpool and Man Utd Monitor £80m Forward

Liverpool and Manchester United are among several elite European clubs closely monitoring the progress of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with preparations already underway ahead of a potential summer transfer battle.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young performers this season following his move from Leganés, attracting widespread interest after delivering consistent attacking returns in his debut campaign in Germany.

According to reports originally published by Football Insider and transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, Leipzig were unwilling to sanction a January departure and placed a valuation in excess of £80 million on the player, effectively blocking any winter move.

With both Liverpool and Man Utd seeking long-term attacking reinforcements, Diomande is now firmly on the radar as one of the most coveted prospects ahead of the upcoming window.

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Yan Diomande Emerges as One of Europe’s Standout Young Talents

Diomande’s rapid rise has been one of the defining stories of the European season. After only becoming a regular starter in Spain last spring, the Ivorian forward has quickly adapted to the demands of top-level football in Germany.

In 21 appearances for Leipzig this campaign, he has registered eight goals and five assists across domestic and continental competitions. Those figures underline both his finishing ability and his growing influence in the final third.

Equally impressive has been his physical profile and versatility. Comfortable operating across the frontline, Diomande combines pace, direct running and technical quality, allowing him to stretch defences and create space for teammates.

His performances earned him an international debut for Ivory Coast in October, further reinforcing his status as one of the most promising attackers of his generation.

Clubs across England, Germany and Spain now regard him as a long-term investment rather than a short-term gamble, contributing to Leipzig’s strong negotiating position.

Liverpool and Man Utd Assess Summer Transfer Options

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Arne Slot has focused on identifying young, high-ceiling players capable of developing into elite-level performers. Diomande fits that profile closely.

Scouts from Merseyside have tracked his progress throughout the season, with internal reports highlighting his work rate, pressing intensity and suitability for a high-tempo system. The club view him as a forward who could grow into a central role over time.

Manchester United, meanwhile, continue to reshape their squad under Ruben Amorim. With attacking depth and long-term succession planning high on the agenda, Diomande is considered a strong candidate to bolster their forward line.

United’s recruitment team have followed him since his time in Spain and remain impressed by his adaptation to Bundesliga football. Sources indicate that both clubs are expected to revisit the situation once the season concludes.

Neither side is likely to move quickly, however, given the scale of Leipzig’s valuation and the competition expected from across Europe.

RB Leipzig Stance and Financial Expectations

RB Leipzig have made it clear that they are under no pressure to sell Diomande. Having secured him on a long-term contract last summer, the German club retain full control over his future.

Their model prioritises developing young talent before maximising value, and Diomande is now viewed as one of their most valuable assets. Club officials believe his best years are still ahead of him, strengthening their resolve to demand a premium fee.

During the January window, several approaches were rejected as premature. Leipzig’s stance was that six months in the Bundesliga was insufficient to justify a major transfer, both for sporting and commercial reasons.

Football Insider previously reported that Leipzig were seeking in excess of £80 million, a figure that immediately discouraged mid-season negotiations. That valuation is unlikely to decrease if Diomande maintains his current trajectory.

Instead, Leipzig are prepared to revisit discussions in the summer, when market conditions are more favourable and multiple bidders are expected.

Summer Window Could Define Diomande Future

The coming months are likely to prove decisive in shaping Diomande’s next career move. With Liverpool and Man Utd monitoring his development closely, strong performances in the latter stages of the season could further inflate his value.

Both clubs are expected to finalise their attacking priorities after assessing squad needs, budgets and outgoing transfers. Diomande remains high on several shortlists, but no formal offers have yet been submitted.

Competition from Bayern Munich, Chelsea and other European heavyweights is also anticipated, creating the conditions for a multi-club bidding process.

From the player’s perspective, remaining at Leipzig for another season remains a realistic option. The club can offer Champions League football, regular starts and continued development under a stable structure.

However, interest from Premier League giants represents a significant opportunity, and sources close to the situation suggest that Diomande is open to considering a move if the right project emerges.

As the summer window approaches, Liverpool and Man Utd will continue to gather intelligence, refine their strategy and evaluate whether meeting Leipzig’s valuation represents sound long-term investment.

With talent, age and market demand all aligned, Yan Diomande is set to be one of the most closely watched names in the transfer market.