Diomande clarifies LFC

One of the breakout stars of the Bundesliga season, Diomande raised eyebrows when he said in November that he is “a big Liverpool fan” and has one dream: “to play at Anfield.”

Since then, Merseyside journalist David Lynch has said that the 19-year-old is “certainly being closely watched” by Liverpool.

Diomande has now clarified his comments in an interview with Imageand added: “People have made it my dream club, but first and foremost it is my father’s favorite club.

“It was always his great wish to see me play there one day, because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield.

“He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn’t even have a TV at home for a long time.”

“I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club at the moment is Leipzig.”

This is in line with what he originally said, when he claimed: “I’m a big Liverpool fan because it’s my dad’s dream to see me play at Anfield, so that’s my dream.

“You know, realizing my father’s dream is a dream for me too.”

Yan Diomande recently spent time in Paris with Vinicius Jr

Despite it being his father’s dream, Diomande made it quite clear that playing for Liverpool was also his ambition.

But probably out of respect for his current club and to keep his career path open, he has understandably restrained himself somewhat.

The right winger, whose contract with RB Leipzig runs until 2030, will be courted by several clubs this summer.

There are no reliable reports linking them yet, but Real Madrid could be among those considering Diomande in the future.

Diomande explained: “In terms of mentality, Kylian Mbappé is my role model – he is an absolute winner – and in terms of playing ability it has always been Cristiano Ronaldo.”

When asked who his new role model is when it comes to playing skills, Diomande replied: “Definitely Vinicius Jr!

“He does a lot of good things on the field and is fully focused. Two weeks ago I met him in person for the first time in Paris.”

“We have a mutual acquaintance. Vini invited me for two days. We had a good time. He told me to have fun on the field, that’s the most important thing.”

“We also talked about our clubs. And of course Real Madrid was part of that.”

Image noted in the interview that Bayern Munich are also interested in the Ivorian, who has scored nine goals and provided six assists in his 24 appearances this season.

Diomande responded: “It’s always nice to hear things like that. But I haven’t spoken to anyone from Bayern yet. It’s not the right time for that anyway. I’m happy here in Leipzig and I want to stay fully focused.”

Jurgen Klopp’s advice for Yan Diomande

Klopp may no longer be at Liverpool, but he could still help his former club in the transfer market.

As Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, he has some say over RB Leipzig’s transfer strategy and provides advice to players and staff.

Diomande was asked if Klopp had spoken to him about Liverpool. The youngster replied: “No, not that, but we talk every now and then.

“He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was always my dream to play in one of his teams. That’s not entirely possible now, but being so close to him now, talking to him, shaking his hand, it’s incredible. He’s a legend.”

Diomande will be in high demand this summer, so RB Leipzig will command a high price. Their manager, Oliver Mintzlaff, has even said he would not be allowed to leave for £70 or £80m.

“He’s the boss,” Diomande noted.

“And there are always many people involved in a transfer: clubs, agents, family, players. So I don’t make these decisions alone.

“I can promise one thing: I will never argue with my club! Of course, I probably won’t finish my career here.”

“When the time comes we will talk, but if I stay here in the summer I will be absolutely happy.”