RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schaefer has rejected suggestions that Liverpool transfer target Yann Diomande will leave the club this summer. Schäfer also hinted that Leipzig intend to offer the 19-year-old fresh terms at the Red Bull Arena, recognizing his impressive progress since joining from Leganes last year.
Earlier this month, Liverpool revealed they were willing to make a bid of up to £86 million for the Ivory Coast international following his impressive form for Leipzig, where he scored 12 times in the Bundesliga.
Leipzig remain committed to keeping the winger and will likely ask for a fee much closer to £112m if they are unwilling to part with the teenager.
Schäfer revealed in comments to German media outlet Bild on Monday that Leipzig are determined to keep Diomande.
He also outlined how discussions with Roc Nation Sports representatives regarding a new contract are planned.
“Our clear intention is that Yann Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year,” Schäfer said.
“In principle, I still have four years left on my contract and I still hold all the cards.
“Therefore, the current development is primarily an evaluation of his performance, nothing more, nothing less.
“And if we don’t find a solution, which we can’t, he still has four years left on his contract. So, again, Yann Diomande will remain in the Leipzig squad.”
Liverpool are also considering the possibility of signing PSG winger Bradley Barcola as a potential replacement for Diomande.
Earlier this month, the Ivorian winger suggested he was open to considering a potential move to English football.
“Will I be able to play in the Premier League? I don’t know,” he said. “I’m an RB Leipzig player, so why not? My agent will sort it out.
“For me I am more focused on the World Cup and that is the most important thing.
“It doesn’t happen all the time, it only happens once every four years, so I’m making the best of it and the rest will be a wait and see.”
