RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande previously declined an offer to join Chelsea. The 19-year-old is currently making waves in the Bundesliga and is rumoured to be on the move this summer.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Diomande relocated to the United States when he was a child. In 2024, he agreed to join Spanish club Leganes and quickly attracted attention.
Leipzig forked out £17.5million for his services just last year and since then, his progress has been remarkable. Diomande has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in all competitions so far this season, sparking plenty of transfer chatter.
During the January window, rumours suggested Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United were eyeing up the prodigy, who is believed to be valued at around £90m. However, Diomande has now disclosed that before his move to Spain, he could have signed with Chelsea.
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"It was a difficult time," Diomande confessed to BILD. "I felt like for many people, it was all about money. A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea.
"Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganes. He had helped with my move to the USA. Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganes or Chelsea?
"It was a gamble, but fortunately, it turned out to be the right choice. I believe patience is crucial in football. It's not always just about the money. If you perform well, the rest will follow naturally. I'm young. I need game time to enhance my sporting value, to progress. And that wouldn't happen from the bench."
Fast forward nearly two years since making this decision and Diomande is now hot property. A slew of reports suggest numerous top European clubs will be vying for his signature come summer.
Liverpool are among those rumoured suitors and Diomande addressed such speculation. He said: "People made it [Liverpool] out to be my dream club.
"But primarily, it's my dad's favourite team. His ultimate wish has always been to see me play there one day because he adores the atmosphere at Anfield. He would constantly sing praises of Steven Gerrard. I was too young to watch him play. We didn't even have a telly at home for a long whilst. I hold a great deal of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club at present is Leipzig."
Bayern Munich are another side reportedly in contention. Diomande added: "I haven't had a conversation with anyone from Bayern. The timing isn't right for that. I'm content here in Leipzig and want to stay fully focused.
"There are always numerous parties involved in a transfer – clubs, agents, family, players. So, I don't make these decisions on my own. One thing I can assure: I'll never fall out with my club! Of course, I likely won't conclude my career here. When the moment arrives, we'll discuss. But if I remain here this summer, I'll be absolutely chuffed."
