Manchester United and Liverpool have seen their pursuit of Yan Diomande complicated by RB Leipzig’s determination to retain the winger despite a reported €100 million (£87 million) valuation. Though both Premier League clubs have held initial talks with the 20-year-old’s representatives, Leipzig is now in discussions to renew his contract, which currently runs until 2030, to include a release clause that would not become active until the summer of 2027. This strategic move aims to block any immediate exit during the upcoming window, forcing the English giants to look elsewhere for top-tier attacking reinforcements.
Leipzig’s resistance and the new contract proposal
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Leipzig is negotiating with Diomande’s new agency, Roc Nation Sports, to restructure his deal. The objective is to defer a sale by another 12 months, despite the winger’s rapid rise in value since his €20 million move from Leganés in July 2025. RB Leipzig supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff reinforced this position, telling reporters that if he were the sporting director, he would not sell a player who has not yet completed a full season at the club, regardless of the fee offered. While the German side reportedly needs to raise approximately €100 million in sales this summer to satisfy internal financial targets, the club prefers to generate those funds through the sale of other squad members rather than their breakout Ivorian star.
Tactical necessity for Liverpool and Manchester United
The interest from the Premier League is driven by urgent squad requirements at both Anfield and Old Trafford. Liverpool views Diomande as a high-impact successor to Mohamed Salah, whose long-term future remains subject to recurring speculation from the Saudi Pro League. Diomande, who has recorded 13 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances this season, offers the profile of an explosive wide player capable of matching Salah’s output. For Manchester United, the pursuit aligns with a need for greater attacking balance under the current tactical set-up, where Diomande’s efficiency in the final third would provide a younger, more consistent alternative to Marcus Rashford. However, with Diomande reportedly open to staying in Saxony provided Leipzig secures Champions League football, the Premier League pair may be forced to wait until 2027 to trigger a formal release mechanism.
Unless one of the chasing clubs submits a bid significantly exceeding the current €100 million valuation, Diomande appears set to remain in the Bundesliga for at least one more season.