26 Apr 2026 11:59 BST |
4 min read
Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has confirmed that he has no intention of selling RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer amid significant transfer interest from a number of elite European clubs.
The Ivory Coast international has emerged as a target for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain following a fantastic debut season at Leipzig, in which he has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 33 games across all competitions.
Reports have indicated that a fee in excess of €100 million will be required to secure Diomande’s signature this summer, with Ole Werner’s side desperate to retain his services for at least another season if possible.
Liverpool are widely considered to be the frontrunners to sign Diomande as things stand, amid their pursuit of a replacement for club legend Mohamed Salah, although it remains to be seen if they have the funds available to complete a transfer following their spending spree last summer.
Furthermore, Mintzlaff, who oversees Red Bull’s sporting activity, has revealed that he wants Leipzig to keep Diomande until at least 2027.
Official Yan Diomande transfer message issued
Speaking to Sky Germany after Leipzig’s 3-1 win over Union Berlin on Friday evening, Mintzlaff said (via The Mirror): “I can say if I were sporting director, I wouldn’t sell this young player, who hasn’t even completed a full season with us.
“No matter what price is being asked. I believe he’s a player who can still develop further, because he’s still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.
“Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain. But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn’t leave again after just one year.
“Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we’ll have to see how he develops.”
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has no plans to sell Yan Diomande 💎 pic.twitter.com/tiOA9I1EOc
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) April 26, 2026
Mintzlaff added: “We want to play in the Champions League. And that’s naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he’s shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level.
“So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I’m completely relaxed about the whole matter.”
Diomande still has four years remaining on his current contract at Leipzig and he is expected to become one of the most expensive footballers in history if he does leave the club this summer.
Related stories:
Arne Slot targets Liverpool’s next Dutch signing
Salah’s replacement? €30m Champions League winner could be Liverpool’s future
Transfer Rumours: Salah ‘discussed’ as Arsenal prepare ‘aggressive’ free agent offer
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