PSG youth coach Bafodé Diakhaby makes permanent switch to Liverpool
Liverpool have completed the permanent signing of youth development coach Bafodé Diakhaby from Paris Saint-Germain. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who had been on a temporary arrangement at the Premier League club since the start of the year, has now made the move official, according to reports from L'Équipe. Diakhaby is set to take up a hybrid role working across Liverpool's academy age groups from under-12s to under-16s.
Diakhaby's departure ends a 23-year association with PSG, where he spent 14 years as a youth player—including some training with the first team—before transitioning into a nine-year coaching career at the club's famed academy. His son remains part of the PSG setup, playing for the under-8 side. During his time as a coach in Paris, Diakhaby was credited with helping develop several notable talents who have progressed to the first team or moved on, including Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ethan Mbappé, and Ismaël Gharbi.
The move, however, did not come easily. Negotiations between the coach and PSG were protracted, with the Parisian club initially reluctant to let him leave. According to L'Équipe, Diakhaby's relationship with PSG's academy director, former French international Yohan Cabaye, had deteriorated as the coach felt increasingly out of step with new directives at the training centre. His quiet exit is said to have caused significant discussion within the club and is viewed by some staff as indicative of a shifting culture under the current restructuring.
This restructuring at PSG's academy has been a point of internal scrutiny. A recent staff committee report was highly critical of the working environment, and historical recruiter Pierre Reynaud has seen his responsibilities reduced. The club is expected to make further changes this summer, with the under-17 coaching role reportedly offered to Matthieu Ballon, formerly of Caen and now at Raja Casablanca.
For Liverpool, the acquisition of Diakhaby represents a strategic investment in their youth setup, adding a coach with extensive experience in one of Europe's most productive academies. His background in individual player development aligns with the club's philosophy under the renewed structure led by sporting director Richard Hughes and the incoming head of academy, a role which is yet to be formally filled. Diakhaby's insider knowledge of the French market could also prove valuable for Liverpool's recruitment strategy moving forward.
