Liverpool, PSG Target to Decide Transfer Future After the World Cup

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain will have to wait until after the ongoing World Cup to understand their chances of signing Yan Diomande this summer.

The RB Leipzig wonderkid has been linked with top teams across Europe this summer, and he didn’t disappoint during Ivory Coast’s opener on Sunday.

Diomande caught the eye with his dribbling, technique and footwork as the West Africans held off Ecuador before winning it in the 90th minute through Amad Diallo.

Following the game, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé insists Diomande is entirely focused on the ongoing World Cup campaign, and will not be entertaining interest from would-be suitors until after the tournament.

Yan Diomande was voted the man of the match following Cote d’Ivoire’s victory over Ecuador. (Photo by Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

“When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG,” Faé began, speaking after the victory over Ecuador.

“Here, they tell me he’s about to sign with Liverpool!

“I don’t know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career.”

Despite the Ivorians being under the cosh for much of the contest, Diomande caused constant problems for his opposite number, Arsenal fullback Piero Hincapié.

The 19-year-old created a match-high five goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

No Ivorian player touched the ball more than Diomande during an influential display, with the winger also completing four dribbles – bettered only by Amad – across the fixture.

“Yan – what can I say? I can’t put it into words,” Faé continued.

“He’s very talented, but beyond the talent, he’s very young and he’ll improve.

“He’s a kid who works hard, has a real team spirit, laughs with everyone, and he listens, listens to the technical staff whenever he’s given advice, and tries to do his best, as he’s told.

“It’s easy to work with someone like Yan, he’s so talented and has what is needed, plus he can give you the victory and was a real challenge for Hincapié, a Champions League finalist.”

Diomande will be eager to continue his good form as Ivory Coast prepare for their second Group E game against Germany, who vanquished Curaçao 7-1 in their tournament opener, in Toronto on Saturday.