Yan Diomande explains why he rejected Chelsea move after a trial

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Evening Standard

·16 février 2026

Yan Diomande explains why he rejected Chelsea move after a trial

RB Leipzig star is expected to move this summer for around £90million

Yan Diomande has explained why he rejected a move to Chelsea after undergoing a trial.

Vidéos OneFootball

RB Leipzig star Diomande is expected to be at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas at the end of the season, with a price tag for the teenager likely to hit around €100m (£87m).

Liverpool and Tottenham have been heavily linked with summer interest, along with German giants Bayern Munich, but it was west London where he could have been plying his trade.

“I was scouted at an international tournament," the 19-year-old told RBLive.

"To prepare for a professional career in Europe, I moved to an academy in Florida. Two years later, I had my first trials with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Rangers."

Elaborating to Bild, Diomande said: "It was a difficult time. I felt like for many people, it was all about money.

Yan Diomandee

Getty Images

“A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganes; he had helped with my move to the USA.

"Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganes or Chelsea? It was risky, but luckily, it was the right decision.

"I think patience is very important in football. It’s not always just about money. If you play well, it will come naturally. I’m young; I need to play to increase my sporting value, to improve. And I wouldn’t get that on the bench."

Diomande spent six months at Leganes before Leipzig triggered his £20m (£17m) release clause, and hit the ground running with nine goals and six assists from 21 Bundesliga matches to date.

That form has prompted Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff to slap a huge asking price on Diomande's head, just months after his arrival.

"He’s the boss," Diomande said of Mintzlaff's demands. "And there are always many people involved in a transfer – clubs, agents, family, players. So, I don’t make these decisions alone.

"One thing I can promise: I’ll never argue with my club! Of course, I probably won’t end my career here. When the time comes, we’ll talk. But if I stay here this summer, I’ll be absolutely happy."