Liverpool transfer blow as Diomande prefers PSG move — Reports

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Diomande

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Liverpool remain active in the transfer market after appointing Andoni Iraola as head coach following Arne Slot’s departure.

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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.

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