‘I expect to leave’ says Yan Diomande as battle for RB Leipzig star heats up ahead of Ivory Coast vs Norway clash

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Yan Diomande has strongly indicated that he expects to leave his club in a World Cup press conference ahead Ivory Coast’s round-of-32 clash with Norway, despite signing for RB Leipzig only last summer on a five-year deal.

Yan Diomande #11 of Cote d'Ivoire

Image credit: Getty Images

Liverpool were reported to be targeting the 19-year-old, before Paris Saint-Germain became the favourites to secure the Ivory Coast star's services, with a strong debut Bundesliga campaign putting him in the shop window for a host of top sides.

Only yesterday, RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer was adamant that his club would keep hold of Diomande, stating:

”Our clear intention is: Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year.

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"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."

But the teenager spoke to the press ahead of Ivory Coast’s knock-out game against Norway, and gave a very different picture.

”I think, like I said, my dream is playing for my country and [to] make history with my country,” he explained.

Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast celebrates scoring the 0-2 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Curaçao and Ivory Coast

Image credit: Getty Images

”I don’t have Instagram any more, I don’t have to talk, so I can say anything.

”I expect to leave, of course. I have an agent who will manage the rest.

”But the most important thing right now is to be focused on the World Cup with my country and make history with them.”

Diomande has made plenty of headlines in the World Cup so far, both on and off the pitch. On it, he has shown why he is such an attractive option for so many top clubs, as his meteoric rise from playing for Spanish second-tier side Leganes last year continues.

But off it, there has been non-stop speculation about his future.

”In principle, we still have a four-year contract and hold all the cards," Schafer added yesterday.

"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.”

Leipzig’s board will be watching the match against Norway closely, especially in the wake of the press conference where the Ivory Coast man made his intentions the clearer than he has previously.

A strong performance might add value to the player, but will equally make keeping hold of someone who expects ”to leave” even harder.

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