Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian forward currently with RB Leipzig (under contract until 2030), has reportedly moved very close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in the last few hours. Journalist Fabrizio Romano and L’Equipe have provided updates on the player, who is determined to join PSG; the French club has initiated talks with the German side and holds an advantage over Liverpool.
Fabrizio Romano:
L’Equipe:
The two parties have not yet officially agreed on the five-year contract, but it is essentially a done deal. This detail will not hinder the finalization of the transfer, which was described on Sunday as being “very close.” At Paris, Diomandé will earn less than he would have at Liverpool—a club that had been very persistent in recent weeks. According to the English press, the Reds’ initial offers exceeded €100 million.
However, Paris has an asset in this matter to help lower the cost: the close relationship between Oliver Mintzlaff, Chairman of the German club’s supervisory board, and Al-Khelaïfi. The two men know each other well and communicate regularly; the German executive even sits on the board of the EFC (European Football Club)—the powerful club association of which the Qatari is also president.
Media outlets generally agree that Diomande is edging closer to PSG, and there is reason to believe this is well-founded. That said, the transfer market is full of surprises, so a degree of caution remains advisable. Nevertheless, the transfer appears to be well advanced, at least from the player’s perspective—though, ultimately, an agreement between the clubs remains essential. There seems to be some hope here, given that PSG has the financial means and a good relationship with Leipzig. However, we know that hitches are possible, so we are holding off on celebrating fully just yet.
