By Adegboyega Adeleye
Liverpool have suffered a potential setback in their pursuit of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, with the highly rated teenager reportedly favouring a move to Paris Saint-Germain over the Premier League champions.
According to the BBC, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig star prefers a switch to the French champions, who are expected to step up talks with the Bundesliga club in the coming weeks.
Liverpool had an opening bid worth £69 million, plus a further £17 million in add-ons, rejected earlier this month, but Leipzig are understood to value Diomande at around £129 million.
The German club, who signed the winger from Spanish side Leganes last summer on a five-year contract, are reportedly under no financial pressure to sell and are prepared to offer him an improved deal to keep him for at least another season.
PSG’s recruitment drive is being led by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, sporting adviser Luis Campos and manager Luis Enrique, with the European champions looking to strengthen a squad that retained both the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles last season.
The French club could fund new arrivals through departures, with striker Goncalo Ramos expected to join AC Milan in a deal worth about £63 million. Midfielder Lee Kang-in and forward Randal Kolo Muani are also among players who could leave this summer.
Diomande has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards after an impressive breakthrough campaign with Leipzig and has also been a key figure for Ivory Coast, helping the Elephants reach the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Liverpool remain active in the transfer market after appointing Andoni Iraola as head coach following Arne Slot’s departure.
The Reds have already completed the signing of Spain winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million and are also known to admire PSG forward Bradley Barcola, although the French champions are keen to tie him down to a new contract.
