Yan Diomande: RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer denies move to Paris Saint-Germain is close and claims star forward will stay this summer
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By Ben Grounds
Published 29/06/2026 at 21:53 GMT+1
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RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer has delivered a clear and uncompromising message by telling Paris Saint-Germain and other potential suitors that their coveted Ivorian winger Yan Diomande is not for sale this summer.
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The BBC were among several outlets to report over the weekend that Diomande has signalled his preference to join PSG, with Leipzig said to have placed a £129 million price tag on the player, who only joined them last summer on a five-year deal.
Despite growing speculation in France and Germany linking the 19-year-old with a move to the Parc des Princes, Leipzig remain adamant that their emerging star will stay for at least another season as they resist mounting external pressure.
Speaking to Bild, Schafer left little room for interpretation regarding the club’s position.
”Our clear intention is: Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year," he said. "And we’re not backing down from that. We know what we have in him. Of course, if Yan continues like this, the time will come when we give him the opportunity to take the next step - but not this year."
While Schafer acknowledged that the highly-rated winger will eventually leave, he was equally firm about the timing.
Diomande’s rise has been rapid since his move from Spanish second-tier side Leganes last year, with his performances reportedly attracting significant interest from across Europe.
Liverpool are said to have previously tested Leipzig’s resolve with an offer in the region of €100m (£86m), only to be rebuffed, with Schafer insisting the club do not even operate with a "financial pain threshold" for the player at this stage.
”In principle, we still have a four-year contract and hold all the cards," Schafer added. "Therefore, the current developments are primarily a recognition of his performance.
"Nothing more and nothing less. And if we can’t find a solution, then we can’t - but he’ll still have a four-year contract. So, to reiterate: Yan Diomande will remain a Leipzig player."
Rather than preparing for a sale, Leipzig are instead focused on securing his long-term future. The club are reportedly working on an improved contract extension on top of his existing deal, which already runs until 2030, in a bid to reflect his growing importance and deter further suitors.
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The stance comes after The Athletic had reported that Diomande had declared that his preference is to join PSG as his next destination if he leaves Leipzig.
ESPN also claimed that the player had held positive initial talks with the two-time European champions - but Leipzig's leadership remains unmoved.
Supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff previously struck a similarly firm tone, stating in April: "If I were the sporting director, I would not sell this young player, who has not even been with us for a full season, no matter what price is called."
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As Schafer made clear, a move is not entirely ruled out in the longer term, though any immediate departure appears highly unlikely.
Currently at the FIFA World Cup with Cote d'Ivoire, Diomande has continued to enhance his growing reputation on the international stage.
His performances have been a standout feature of the tournament, with Cote d'Ivoire now preparing to face Norway in the round of 32 on Tuesday.
Diomande's form in North America has only intensified interest from the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool, and while Leipzig reportedly need to sell players this summer, Schafer stopped short of confirming to Bild that sales needed to exceed €100 million.
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Diomande was in blistering form for RB Leipzig last season
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"I wouldn't confirm that figure," continued Schafer, who also sidestepped a question on whether PSG had contacted him about Diomande. "But the fact that we need to generate revenue through transfers isn't new.
"This is naturally partly due to the fact that our other revenue streams haven't yet reached a level that allows us to do without transfer-related income. We also believe we are well-positioned to achieve our objectives without Yan Diomande needing to leave."
"I'm currently in contact with - I feel - 80% of our players' agents. It's part of the job. Especially when there's a change of coach, agents and coaches want to know a bit more.
"But it's true that Yan is generating a lot of interest, which also reflects his exceptional performances last year and the immense potential he still possesses."
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