Liverpool dealt Yan Diomande transfer blow as RB Leipzig star favours PSG move to fuel Ballon d’Or dream

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Yan Diomande have suffered a significant setback after the RB Leipzig winger reportedly made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination if he leaves Germany this summer.

The Ivory Coast international believes a move to the reigning European champions would give him the perfect platform to compete for the biggest trophies in world football and fulfil his long-term ambition of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Diomande chooses PSG project

According to The Athletic, Diomande has been convinced by PSG’s long-term sporting project under club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and football advisor Luis Campos, while the opportunity to work with head coach Luis Enrique has also played a major role in his decision.

Liverpool had identified the 21-year-old as one of their priority attacking targets and were reportedly prepared to submit an offer worth close to €100 million. However, the player is said to favour a move to the French capital, believing PSG provides the ideal environment to compete consistently for domestic and European honours.

The report adds that Diomande views the Ligue 1 giants as the best club to help him develop into a future Ballon d’Or contender.

RB Leipzig stand firm on valuation

Despite the player’s preference, RB Leipzig remain under no pressure to sell.

The Bundesliga club rejected Liverpool’s proposed €100m package and continue to value the winger at around €130m. Leipzig are also pushing to extend Diomande’s current contract, which runs until 2030 following his arrival from Leganes last summer.

Should a deal eventually be completed, Diomande would become the most expensive departure in Leipzig’s history, surpassing the €90m transfer of Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City.

World Cup form boosts his reputation

Diomande enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, registering 12 Bundesliga goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances as Leipzig secured Champions League qualification with a third-place finish.

No player in the Bundesliga attempted more successful dribbles than the explosive winger last season, underlining his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

The 21-year-old has continued that impressive form at the 2026 World Cup with Ivory Coast, where his direct running, creativity and clinical finishing have only strengthened his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most sought-after young attacking talents.