Manchester United make opening bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande
Manchester United have submitted an opening bid for RB Leipzig's highly-rated winger Yan Diomande, according to reports. The 19-year-old Ivorian has emerged as a primary target for the Premier League club as they seek to strengthen their left flank ahead of the summer transfer window. The bid, reported by transfer journalist IndyKaila, comes amid an understanding that Leipzig value the player at over €100 million.
Diomande has enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga since joining Leipzig from Leganes last year, scoring 11 goals and registering eight assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. His explosive form has attracted widespread attention from Europe's elite, with Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool also credited with interest. Liverpool's pursuit is linked to the impending departure of long-serving forward Mohamed Salah.
For Manchester United, the move aligns with a strategic shift under interim manager Michael Carrick, who is the favourite to secure the permanent role. Carrick has moved away from a back-three system and has utilised full-back Patrick Dorgu and forward Matheus Cunha on the left wing, indicating a clear desire for a specialist in that position. While Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon is also a reported option, Diomande is understood to be the club's foremost target.
The significant reported valuation presents a major hurdle, however. Leipzig are keen to retain their prized asset and, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, have proposed a new contract to Diomande. The offer includes an improved salary and the potential inclusion of a release clause, on the condition he remains at the club for at least one more season. Leipzig's hope is that securing Champions League football and a new deal will persuade the winger to delay a move until 2027 or 2028.
Diomande's current contract situation, with a salary reportedly low for a player of his market value, adds a layer of complexity to any potential transfer. Manchester United's opening bid, the precise figure of which remains undisclosed, tests Leipzig's resolve early in the negotiation process. The Bundesliga club has a strong reputation for developing and selling talent for substantial fees, but their immediate preference is clearly to extend Diomande's stay.
The pursuit underscores Manchester United's intent to add youthful, high-ceiling attacking talent to their squad. Successfully signing Diomande would represent a major coup in a competitive market and provide Carrick, or any incoming manager, with a dynamic long-term option on the left wing. The coming weeks will likely see further developments as Diomande and Leipzig consider the contract proposal amidst mounting external interest.
