Yan Diomande 'motivated' by transfer talk, but in no rush to leave RB Leipzig

Bayer LeverkusenBayern MunichBorussia DortmundEintracht FrankfurtRB LeipzigWolfsburgScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsYan Diomande ‘motivated’ by transfer talk, but in no rush to leave RB LeipzigDiomande has scored 13 goals for RB Leipzig after joining from Leganes last summer Fabio Deinert / Getty Images Share articleYan Diomande says the growing speculation over his future is “motivating” but insists he’s not in a hurry to leave RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old forward has been heavily scouted by a number of clubs, including Liverpool, who are looking for a new winger this summer to replace the departing Mohamed Salah. With 12 goals and seven assists this season, Diomande is likely to feature on many clubs’ shortlists. Leipzig are aware that there is likely to be interest in him this summer but are widely reported to want around £85million (€98m) for the teenager. During an interview with reporters, including The Athletic, Diomande said: “Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job…you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more. “I don’t think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything, but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.” Diomande, who has helped Leipzig qualify for next season’s Champions League, still has four years left on his deal in Germany after a rapid rise across recent seasons. Not so long ago he was playing high school football in the USA after moving from the Ivory Coast as a 15-year-old to help his development. Spanish side Leganes spotted his talent as he starred in Florida’s DME Academy for associate team AS Frenzi, but it was Leipzig who gave him the platform to shine following a €20m transfer last summer. Already this year Diomande has featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for his country and is heading to the World Cup next month. “I didn’t imagine to do everything so quickly like this but I have ambition and vision to be one of the best players,” he added. “Everything happened fast and now I’m going step by step. “I have a new dream every day. I’m not going to say anything crazy, but in five years I’d like to be one of the best.” Diomande could have been playing in the UK had one of his previous trials turned out to be a success. After turning down offers in the MLS to chase his dream in Europe, he trained at Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Rangers before signing with Leganes. “I was young so I didn’t really know what was going on, but it was fun going to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and seeing players like (Michael) Olise and (Eberechi) Eze.” He also trained with Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC but “didn’t want to start there (MLS)”. What happens next will be determined later this summer. “The World Cup is next and after that you never know what can happen,” he says. Diomande is happy to continue repaying the faith RB Leipzig showed in him. “I will never forget this. It’s not just about playing football. Most people can only see what happens on the pitch, but the club has helped me so much with my family and my mum. “Young kids like me, I have a lot of things that happen, but nobody knows other than the club. They did a lot for me so I’m grateful and all I can do is help them on the pitch. “It’s a big motivation to pay back what they put in me — €20m is a big risk, but it’s not over, we have to keep working hard.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms