Leipzig star Diomande responds to Bayern and Liverpool links

RB Leipzig prodigy Yan Diomande has addressed mounting speculation linking him with moves to Bayern Munich and Liverpool, insisting his immediate future lies with the Bundesliga club. The 19-year-old Ivorian, who has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 23 appearances this season, has seen his stock soar after a string of eye-catching displays.

Media reports have suggested Liverpool regard Diomande as the long-term heir to Mohamed Salah, with some outlets claiming the forward considers the Merseysiders his “dream club.” Speaking to Bild, Diomande set the record straight: “People made it out to be my dream club. But first and foremost, it’s my dad’s favorite club. It was always his great wish to see me there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield. He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn’t even have a TV at home for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig.”

Bayern Munich have also been credited with strong interest, yet Diomande confirmed no approach has been made. “It’s always nice to hear something like that. But I haven’t spoken to anyone from Bayern. It’s not the right time for that. I’m happy here in Leipzig and want to remain fully focused.”

According to Bayern insider Christian Falk, any pursuit of Diomande will come at a steep price. “It is TRUE: Yan Diomande is going to cost a lot of money to sign this summer. The €100m [£87.1m] asking price was established by RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff,” Falk told CFBayern. “We saw him playing against Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal. He’s good, he’s really good. However, he’s still got some developmental work to do, and so €100m will be too much for Bayern this summer. That said, it’s a price that Premier League clubs can of course afford to pay.”

Diomande’s current deal runs until July 2030, leaving Leipzig in a strong negotiating position should Europe’s heavyweights firm up their interest.