Manchester United have informed the representatives of Yan Diomandé that they will not meet RB Leipzig’s €100 million asking price for the winger this summer. According to reporting by Fabrizio Romano, the club has communicated its decision to move on from the pursuit to focus financial resources on other priority positions. Diomandé, 19, enjoyed a breakout 2025/26 campaign in the Bundesliga but has publicly committed to staying in Germany for at least one more season, effectively ending interest from United, Liverpool, and PSG for the current window.
United pivot away from record Diomandé valuation
While Manchester United scouts monitored Diomandé extensively throughout the spring—highlighted by a specific scouting mission during Leipzig’s fixture against Augsburg in March—the €100 million price tag proved a definitive barrier. Speaking via his social media channels, Romano noted that United's recruitment team has already informed those close to the player of the withdrawal. This disciplined approach aligns with the club’s current PSR considerations and a reluctance to exceed the €98.6 million spent on Benjamin Šeško from the same club in August 2025. Diomandé originally joined Leipzig from Leganés for an initial €20 million in 2025 and is under contract until June 2030, giving the German side significant leverage in negotiations.
Tactical rationale and Leipzig's firm stance
Diomandé’s productivity of 12 goals and 8 assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances made him a primary target as United look to refine their 4-2-3-1 system. However, RB Leipzig's internal hierarchy remained resistant to a sale. Speaking to the press in April, supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff stated he would not sell the Ivorian "no matter what price is offered," citing the player’s short tenure at the club. Diomandé corroborated this stance during a recent interview with Foot Mercato, stating, "I'm under contract in Leipzig and I enjoy playing here." For United, the focus now shifts toward reinforcing central midfield, where the squad depth is viewed as a more critical vulnerability than the flanks heading into 2026/27.
The player is expected to remain at the Red Bull Arena to continue his development under the management of Marco Rose.