Liverpool suffer Yan Diomande transfer blow as RB Leipzig star prioritises PSG move in Ballon d’Or pursuit

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande has suffered a significant setback after the RB Leipzig winger reportedly decided that Paris Saint-Germain is his preferred destination should he leave the Bundesliga this summer.

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

Diomande chooses PSG over Liverpool

According to The Athletic, Diomande has been won over by PSG’s sporting project under club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting advisor Luis Campos, while the opportunity to work under Luis Enrique has further strengthened his desire to move to the French capital.

Liverpool have long admired the 21-year-old and were prepared to submit an offer worth close to €100 million. However, the report claims the player has made it clear that PSG is his preferred destination if he leaves Leipzig this summer.

Diomande reportedly believes regular success in Ligue 1 and the Champions League would give him the best opportunity to establish himself among football’s elite and eventually challenge for the Ballon d’Or.

RB Leipzig refuse to lower asking price

While Diomande’s preference appears clear, RB Leipzig remain in a strong negotiating position.

The Bundesliga club rejected Liverpool’s proposed €100 million package and continue to value the winger at closer to €130m. Leipzig are also attempting to convince Diomande to commit his future to the club despite his current contract running until 2030 following his arrival from Leganes last summer.

Should a transfer eventually materialise, Diomande would become the most expensive sale in RB Leipzig’s history, eclipsing the €90m Manchester City paid to sign Josko Gvardiol.

World Cup performances enhance growing reputation

Diomande enjoyed a superb 2025-26 campaign, scoring 12 Bundesliga goals and providing nine assists in 33 league appearances as Leipzig secured a third-place finish and another Champions League qualification.

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

He has carried that impressive form into the 2026 World Cup with Ivory Coast, where his direct running, creativity and clinical finishing have only strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers.