RB Leipzig midfielder Yann Diomande has clarified comments linking him to Liverpool, revealing that the Premier League club is not his own dream destination but his father’s favorite
Liverpool are rumored to be linked with Yann Diomande (Image: Getty Images)
RB Leipzig prodigy Yann Diomande has been forced to backtrack on his claim that Liverpool are his ‘dream club’. The 19-year-old has become one of Europe’s most coveted young talents since bursting onto the Bundesliga scene. His performances have sparked rumors of a big-money move to the Premier League, with the Anfield outfit also reportedly monitoring his situation.
The Reds are one of a number of clubs considering a move, but Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also speculated to be interested. Recently, a video of a young Ivorian player appearing to say “I want to play for Liverpool” was published on social media, causing an uproar among fans.
However, in a chat with BILD, he moved to clarify those remarks.
read more: Liverpool give clear verdict on Arne Slott’s sacking, insisting they are ‘not that kind of club’read more: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk makes clear his feelings about Mohamed Salah’s transfer
He said: “People thought it was my dream club, but first and foremost it’s my father’s favorite club.”
“He loves the atmosphere at Anfield so it was his big wish to see me play there one day. He always raved about Steven Gerrard.
“I was too young to watch him play. For a long time we didn’t even have a TV at home. I respect Liverpool a lot, but my dream club now is Leipzig.”
Follow our Liverpool FB page! Keep up with the latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is currently the Red Bull organization’s global head of football, managing clubs including Leipzig.
Diomande dismissed any talks with the German about Liverpool but made clear his respect for the Champions League and Premier League-winning manager. He said: “No, we don’t, but we talk sometimes.
“He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was my dream to play for one of his teams.”
“Nowadays that’s just not possible, but to be near him now and talk to him and shake his hand is incredible.
“He’s a legend. Sometimes you feel like you’re in a movie.”
Jurgen Klopp currently has a role within the Red Bull hierarchy (Image: RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool have maintained a good relationship with Leipzig, exchanging players over the past decade. The arrival from East Germany was fruitful, with Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai emerging as key players.
Naby Keita’s stint at Anfield was marred by injury, but he became a fan favorite and left with a Premier League winners’ medal.
Meanwhile, Konate and Szoboszlai have both become essential members of Arne Slott’s team.
The French centre-back’s contract expires this summer, leaving Liverpool in a battle to retain Virgil van Dijk’s replacement. Conversely, Szoboszlai has improved his game since arriving on Merseyside and has stood out as a star performer in what has been a disappointing season for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah said: “He’s one of the best players in the world at the moment. This is good for everyone and I hope we can do something similar again.”
Make us your preferred source to ensure the latest sports headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches.
Click here to enable or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings
