Manchester United has received a significant boost in its pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande. The club’s chief executive, Oliver Mintzlaff, has indicated that the German side would consider selling the 19-year-old if a suitable offer is made. Diomande has emerged as a potential alternative to Antoine Semenyo, who appears set to move to Manchester City, prompting United to explore other options.
Diomande’s impressive performance this season has garnered attention, with reports suggesting that his market value ranges between £52 million and £61 million. While RB Leipzig aims to retain its young talent, Mintzlaff acknowledged that a substantial offer could persuade the club to part with their promising player.
In an interview with the German publication Welt, Mintzlaff stated, “We want to ensure that we don’t just develop players for one year. But that we can also retain top talents for longer.” He emphasized the club’s aspirations to maintain its status as a top contender in the Bundesliga, highlighting the importance of developing players like Diomande and Assan Ouedraogo.
The club’s chief also mentioned the necessity of generating transfer fees and attracting top clubs, saying, “If there’s an exorbitant offer far above market value, and we are convinced that it’s a unique opportunity for a significant profit, then we have to be honest with ourselves, discuss it, and keep a cool head.”
Currently, Diomande is representing the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In the ongoing Bundesliga season, he has scored six goals and provided three assists in 14 appearances, showcasing his potential to influentially impact his team’s performance.
United is not the only club interested in Diomande; Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his development closely. Although the recent comments from Mintzlaff appear to favor Manchester United’s ambitions, it remains uncertain whether the club will make a move during the upcoming January transfer window.
Reports indicate that Manchester United may not prioritize an alternative to Semenyo in the immediate future but could accelerate their interest as other clubs enter the fray. Furthermore, the club is also focusing on strengthening its midfield, with potential targets including Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, and Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
As the January transfer window approaches, the situation surrounding Diomande could evolve rapidly, particularly given the competitive nature of the market and the interest from several elite clubs. Manchester United’s strategy appears to remain flexible, allowing them to adapt to developments as they unfold.
