Manchester United could find themselves in a transfer race with European giants to try and bring Yan Diomande to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils may look set to miss out on Antoine Semenyo, but his imminent move to Manchester City means Ineos can instead set their sights on RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.
United believe Diomande is ‘generational’ and the Red Devils are ahead of the curve when it comes to scouting the 18-year-old star.
Who should now be Man Utd’s top transfer target in January 2026?
After missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who should Manchester United be targeting?
Recruitment chief Christopher Vivell is United’s ace card having previously worked within the Red Bull group. His connections helped United land Benjamin Sesko in the summer, and now Diomande is his next target.
Diomande has been tearing up the Bundesliga this season, and he is now away on AFCON duty playing alongside Amad Diallo for Ivory Coast.
RB Leipzig director raves about Yan Diomande
Diomande’s rise to the top of European football has been frighteningly quick, having only joined Leipzig last summer.
He has already made a huge impact, and RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer had some extremely high praise for the young winger when speaking to Sky Sports.
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“He definitely fits in the profile we are looking for,” Schafer said. “Young, hungry and high potential.
“We look for players who have a physical ability and we look for players who can handle one-on-one, who can create chances and who are able to finish some actions. Diomande has certainly demonstrated that in his debut Bundesliga season.
“Yan is an outstanding talent, a high-potential profile and we exactly looked for this profile. We are really happy, really proud to sign a young jewel.”
Yan Diomande traits are perfect for Man United
Schafer picked out four interesting traits when discussing Diomande’s potential – his physical attributes, his one-on-one ability, his chance creation and his finishing.
That will certainly tick all of Ruben Amorim’s boxes when it comes to signing a new winger in 2026.
Amorim wants physicality in his United squad after being wowed by the intensity of the Premier League. The Portuguese head coach has also mentioned wanting a similar profile to Amad Diallo on the left flank.
During their time together at AFCON, United fans believe Amad is convincing Diomande to join him in Manchester.
Adding the 18-year-old as not only a wing-back option, but also as a potential No.10 or as a winger would add considerable firepower to United’s roster in 2026.
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