“We don’t have to accept any offer” – Leipzig boss on Yan Diomande interest amid PSG and Liverpool links | OneFootball

After a breakout season in the Bundesliga, Yan Diomande is being linked with a host of top clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool said to be among his suitors.

A recent report from Foot Mercato even claimed that the Ivorian international has already agreed personal terms with PSG.

However, for a summer move to happen, an agreement on a transfer fee has to be reached with RB Leipzig, who are in a strong negotiating position – and they know it.

“We don't have to accept any offer,” RB Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer told Sport Bild about Diomande, whose contract runs until 2030.

“Yan has no release clause. That means we are in the driver’s seat and everyone else is in the back seat. We want to keep Yan Diomande. And he himself also sees his future at Leipzig for the time being.”

That the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season is attracting interest from Europe's heavyweights is no surprise for Schäfer.

“I would question the work of top clubs if they weren’t monitoring Yan Diomande,” he said with a laugh. 

"He showed in his first Bundesliga season that he is not a one-season wonder, but a player with the potential for significantly more goals and assists. It is a compliment for him and for us that he is on the radar of these clubs. But we have objectives in three competitions, which he is also aware of. 

“Despite his young age, Yan looks at things very rationally and reflectively. He is also very grateful. We have also done a lot off the pitch to show all players that we are a family. For some players, these may be small things – for Yan, they have an impact.”

It's been reported that Leipzig are ready to offer Diomande a new contract on improved terms, and Schäfer confirms that talks are underway with the player's representatives.

“One thing is clear: if Yan Diomande maintains his focus and work ethic, there are no limits for him. It is extraordinary that a player with such attacking ability has the awareness to always help defensively and want to help. Yan is the player with the most won duels in the league, by a large margin – that’s crazy. RB have always rewarded such special performances. That’s why we are in close contact with his agency,” he said.

The 19-year-old is set to represent Ivory Coast at the World Cup, which could potentially boost his market value even further.