Yan Diomande: Man United’s pursuit of Leipzig star takes sharp twist | OneFootball

Manchester United face a major hurdle in their pursuit of Yan Diomande despite opening talks with the RB Leipzig starlet’s representatives, according to an explosive report.

A New Left Winger

The Red Devils are prioritising a new left winger this summer as INEOS look to revamp the squad in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s departure last month.

Michael Carrick is leading the side as caretaker until the end of the season, when a long-term successor for the Portuguese coach will be appointed. The former midfielder has picked up 13 points in his first five games at the helm, with West Ham the only opponent able to stop United’s winning streak under the new boss.

Carrick’s success has stemmed from a transition back to a 4-2-3-1 system, though the team lacks a standout option on the left wing to complement the heavily stacked right-hand side. United’s unsuccessful pursuit of Antoine Semenyo over Christmas highlighted the profile – a dribbling demon with pace and power, capable of playing on either flank – the club want to add to their squad.

Making a move

This has led to a pivot towards Diomande, Leipzig’s electric winger, who has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in European football this season. The Ivory Coast international, who lined up alongside Amad at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been red-hot in the Bundesliga, having joined the Red Bull side from Spanish minnows Leganes last summer.

Despite only turning 19 in November, Diomande is averaging a goal contribution every 109 minutes and is carrying Leipzig’s attack on his young shoulders. He possesses a devastating ability to burst past opposition defenders due to his outstanding acceleration and technique, with his dribbling metrics ranking amongst the very best in Europe.

Yan Diomande: 2025/26 Stats

This meteoric rise has put clubs across the continent on red alert as they plot to strike a deal with Leipzig this summer. United are joined by Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the hunt.

As relayed by Sport Witness, transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reveals each club is understood to have held “private meetings” with the Ivorian’s representative, Maxidel Management, who facilitated his €20 million switch from Leganes to Leipzig. The Bundesliga side are expected to demand up to five times this amount to part with their prized asset this summer, though his performances are increasingly justifying this exorbitant outlay.

However, in a shock twist, a “dispute” over the player’s representation could be set to torpedo any prospect of a transfer this summer.

Agent vs Agent

Diomande recently signed with Roc Nation Sports, despite his pre-existing agreement with Maxidel Management – which is said to have sparked a row between the two agencies.

Tavolieri claims to have seen documentation which confirms Maxidel’s right to negotiate the winger’s prospective exit from Leipzig, while, crucially, they also “hold the player’s image rights until 2031.” If this arrangement on rights was violated, Maxidel would be entitled to €7 million in compensation.

This leads the Sky Sports reporter to contend that none of Diomande’s suitors, including the Red Devils, would “risk signing him under these conditions.”

Final Thoughts

Signing a 19-year-old winger with less than a season’s worth of experience in a top league for €100 million was always going to present a problem for INEOS.

The fact that there is now added risk off the pitch will almost certainly see United’s hierarchy begin accelerating moves for other targets who are more attainable, such as Everton wizard Iliman Ndiaye.

Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

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