Al-Khelaïfi links help as Diomandé ‘close to joining’ PSG | OneFootball

Yan Diomandé, RB Leipzig's Ivorian winger, is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, with talks between player, PSG and Leipzig nearing full agreement on Sunday.

PSG first sought certainty over the player's intent. According to The Athletic, the 19-year-old told the club he wants to sign this summer.

A five-year contract is not yet finalised but is not expected to hinder completion, and the deal was described as very close on Sunday. He would earn less in Paris than at Liverpool, who pressed in recent weeks and approached Leipzig, but he has prioritised PSG.

Luis Enrique speaks directly to targets, with Luis Campos and Nasser al-Khelaïfi handling finances. When fees are high, Paris ask players to make efforts to meet club valuations. Diomandé's fee is expected to be significant yet below Liverpool's proposals.

PSG have an advantage in the close relationship between Oliver Mintzlaff, chairman of Leipzig's supervisory board, and Al-Khelaïfi. They know each other well and speak regularly, and Mintzlaff sits on the board of the EFC, the European Football Club, which Al-Khelaïfi chairs.

QSI and Red Bull collaborate on several fronts, and the two executives have already opened talks over Diomandé. PSG hope to move quickly so the winger can join after his holidays, once Ivory Coast complete their World Cup. By Sunday night, club-to-club negotiations were close and confidence was growing over a swift conclusion.

Diomandé's likely arrival and a possible deal for Maghnes Akliouche are not seen as overlapping. They would offset the exits of Gonçalo Ramos, whose AC Milan move is put at a little under €75m before add-ons, and Lee Kang-in.

Bradley Barcola has not extended beyond 2028, and Ibrahim Mbaye's situation, also 2028, remains unclear. PSG continue to monitor Éli Junior Kroupi and other attacking options, and are working on a high-potential left-back to back up Nuno Mendes.

Source: L'Équipe