RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has responded to reports of Liverpool’s transfer interest, with the teenager ‘motivated’ by the clubs that have been linked.
Diomande has been readily namechecked as an option to bolster Liverpool’s attack this summer, with the 19-year-old armed with pace – he’s currently ranked fourth in the Bundesliga for top speed (36.3 km/h).
There are several other wingers who are being watched, like Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, as Liverpool cast a wide net, but Diomande stands as the likeliest addition.
Leipzig, however, want to tie the teenager down to a new contract and value him at €100 million (£87m), and Liverpool are not the only club credited with interest.
It is, however, proving motivational for Diomande, who responded to the speculation over his future in an interview with Africafoot. He said: “I’m here, and first and foremost, I’m healthy and working hard every day.
“Hearing these rumours about big clubs like PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, and others interested in me only motivates me more. I keep smiling, stay cheerful, and keep pushing forward.”
And he did not rule out a move in the summer, as while he focuses on finishing the season strongly with Leipzig, his representatives will “take care of everything.”
“My job is on the pitch, and I’m fully committed to my current club,” he said.
“As for the rest, I have a team that takes care of everything; I don’t stress about it. I play for Leipzig and enjoy it.”
Subscribe to This Is Anfield on YouTube
Join over 370,000 subscribers to get the latest LFC videos to your feed
Liverpool have a huge hole to fill when Mo Salah leaves at the end of the season, and while there is no direct replacement, Diomande represents an exciting, young prospect.
It is for that reason they would likely baulk at Leipzig’s transfer demands if they pursued a move, instead favouring a route you expect would require plenty of patience.
Yan Diomande clarifies Liverpool “dream” comments
In November, the Ivorian said he was a “big fan of Liverpool” and harbours a dream to “play at Anfield,” which, understandably, quickly spread over social media.
Earlier this year he sought to clarify his words, explaining that “people made it out to be my dream club,” but that it is actually his dad’s favourite club.
“It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield,” he explained.
“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.
Join This Is Anfield Premium
If adverts aren’t your thing, we appreciate you becoming a Premium member
“I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig.”
Liverpool will hope to realise his ambition of playing at Anfield as a member of the first team, but it remains to be seen if the club seriously pursue his signature.
The 19-year-old has 41 senior club appearances in his career so far, with a return of 14 goals and nine assists, making him an investment in future development rather than a proven talent.