PSG move ahead of Liverpool in race for Yan Diomande with verbal agreement

Paris Saint-Germain have taken a significant lead in the pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with French outlet Foot Mercato reporting the 19-year-old has verbally agreed to join the Ligue 1 champions. The development is a setback for Liverpool, who have been targeting Diomande as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian’s departure after nine years at Anfield.

Diomande enjoyed a remarkable debut season in the Bundesliga, registering 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions to win the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season award. Leipzig signed him from Leganes for just €20 million last July, and the club are now understood to be demanding around €130 million (£112 million) for a player contracted until June 2030.

Despite the reported verbal agreement with PSG, it is understood Diomande retains interest in a move to Liverpool, though not to Bayern Munich, the third club linked with the winger. Any transfer remains contingent on a fee being agreed with Leipzig, who qualified for next season’s Champions League and have little financial pressure to sell.

A further complication surrounds a legal dispute between Diomande’s former and current representatives, which is heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Leipzig could also attempt to extend his contract on improved terms to deter suitors entirely.

Diomande himself struck a measured tone when asked about his future last month. “My contract here is until 2030, so I have four more years,” he told reporters. “What’s going to happen afterwards? I don’t know. I am a Leipzig player. Nobody knew me before and €20m is a lot. It was a big risk for them and I thank them for that.”

Should he move to Paris, Diomande would join an already formidable PSG attack that includes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to search for a right-winger capable of filling the void left by Salah.