Yan Diomande has welcomed speculation linking him with the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid, insisting such rumours make him 'happy' and provide extra 'motivation' to succeed. The 19-year-old winger has enjoyed a remarkable debut season with RB Leipzig after arriving from Leganes last summer, racking up 12 goals and seven assists in his opening 32 Bundesliga appearances.
Rapid Rise to Prominence
Diomande hit the ground running in Germany and has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football. His barnstorming form has attracted the attention of a host of Europe's elite sides, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Leipzig's hierarchy were adamant that Diomande was not for sale in the January transfer window, with club chiefs determined not to lose any key players during their fight for Champions League qualification. However, there is a growing acceptance that Leipzig may be powerless in preventing Diomande's head from being turned at the end of the campaign as the Ivory Coast international continues to go from strength to strength.
Price Tag and Profit
In response to the interest, Leipzig have reportedly slapped an eye-watering £80 million asking price on the youngster. Such a sale would represent a significant profit for Leipzig, who signed the teen from Leganes for a fee of just €20 million (£17.5 million).
'Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid [as examples of big clubs] to do this job…you're going to be happy and motivated to do more,' Diomande told The Athletic when asked about the incessant speculation over his future. 'I don't think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything. But it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.'
Surprised by Speed of Success
Diomande has even surprised himself with the speed at which he has gone from playing high-school association football in the United States to being considered one of the next big things in the world game. 'I didn't imagine to do everything so quickly like this but I have ambition and vision to be one of the best players,' he added. 'Everything happened fast and now I'm going step by step. I have a new dream every day. I'm not going to say anything crazy, but in five years I'd like to be one of the best.'
Prior to signing for Leganes, Diomande came close to moving to England and was even invited to train with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth. 'I was young so I didn't really know what was going on,' the Ivorian explained. 'But it was fun going to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and seeing players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.'
Focus on Leipzig
For now, Diomande remains focused on seeing out a successful season with Leipzig and repaying the faith the club showed in him when he arrived from Leganes last summer. 'I will never forget this. It's not just about playing football. Most people can only see what happens on the pitch, but the club has helped me so much with my family and my mum. Young kids like me, I have a lot of things that happen, but nobody knows other than the club. They did a lot for me so I'm grateful and all I can do is help them on the pitch. It's a big motivation to pay back what they put in me – €20m is a big risk, but it's not over, we have to keep working hard.'
Leipzig chief Marcel Schafer told Kicker in January: 'It is our aim to keep players with us for longer than just one year, because otherwise you don't achieve any continuity.' Pressed on whether Leipzig were in the 'driving seat' when it came to Diomande's future, Schafer cryptically replied: 'There isn't even anyone sitting in the passenger seat. Everyone is sitting in the back seat.'
