The Ivorian sensation has snubbed elite European interest to remain in the Bundesliga, forcing Manchester United and Liverpool to pivot their summer recruitment strategies elsewhere.
After a compelling end to the season, Manchester United are drawing up transfer plans for the summer transfer window, with the board ready to splurge on investments in hopes of revitalising the squad for a Champions League campaign.
The board is targeting multiple new midfielders, after the departure of Casemiro at the end of the season, and names like Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are expected to follow. The recruitment team will likely spend the majority of the reported £140 million budget on a few new midfield names.
A new winger is reportedly being targeted also, as the board are unahppy with the current depth in attackers, especially with an important European campaign next season.
A key target for United has just made his decision on his transfer plans regarding the next window, as fellow European elites are monitoring his situation.
Diomande expected to stay at Leipzig
Following a decent stint at CD Leganes, Ivorian international Yan Diomande made his move to the Bundesliga to sign for RB Leipzig, a team well-adversed in nurturing young, talented players.
His unique physical ability and explosiveness on the wing have caught the eye of many top European clubs, like United, who are in the market for a new winger. Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and PSG join the Reds in the race for his signature.
At 19, Diomande still has a vast amount to prove, and his immediate impact on a title-challenging team is not guaranteed. That said, the Ivorian has been supremely impressive for Leipzig this season, registering 13 goals and nine assists for the German side and guiding them back into the Champions League.
Despite interest from Europe's elites, Diomande looks likely to sign a contract extension with RB Leipzig, confirming his future with the Red Bull team. Diomande is currently valued at an estimated £100 million, which may deter some teams from chasing him.
In an interview with Kicker, Diomande's words made it sound as if he wants to remain in Germany.
“I’m not thinking about [leaving] right now. I’m at Leipzig, and I enjoy playing here," the young star said. "In the end, it’s always the statistics that count. It’s been a fantastic year for me.”
When asked if heexpects to still play for Leipzig next season, the answer was a simple, “yes.”
Diomande's situation bears similarities to that of United bagsman Benjamin Šeško before he left Leipzig. The Slovenian striker signed an extension with the German side with the promise that the club would facilitate a transfer.
A similar scenario could be unfolding with Diomande, who has been touted as one of the world's next superstars. Clubs may have to wait a year before attempting to pry Diomande away from Leipzig.
What are the alternatives to DIomande?
The Ivorian has gained a reputation as one of the world's most promising young talents, but his inavailability means clubs in need of a winger must find an alternative.
Similar to the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the board may turn to Premier League-proven talent as a favoured alternative.
Illiman Ndiaye is reportedly on the market as his talents have surpassed the ability of the Everton squad. The Senegalese international's form has dipped slightly in the second half of the season, as his output has taken a hit, but the ability remains obvious.
Anthony Gordon is another Premier League-proven talent. After a horrendous season Newcastle has suffered, many star players are looking towards the door, Gordon too. The 25-year-old is on the list of many top European clubs, so the board will have to act quickly to secure his signature.
Bradley Barcola and Karim Adeyemi are names also listed as potential alternatives; both have been impressive for their sides both domestically and in the Champions League, but uncertainty on whether their talents can translate to English football remains.
