Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff rejects Liverpool’s €100m bid for Yan Diomande, insists youngster stays

Red Bull's Oliver Mintzlaff has publicly rejected a reported €100 million bid from Liverpool for Yan Diomande. Mintzlaff insists the 19-year-old forward will remain at RB Leipzig, citing his ongoing development and potential for increased value.

Yan Diomande, valued at approximately €100 million, has emerged as a key offensive asset for RB Leipzig. The forward has recorded 13 goals across all competitions this season, with 12 strikes in Germany's top football league, the Bundesliga. This performance attracted reported interest from Liverpool, who are reportedly seeking new attacking options.

Oliver Mintzlaff, chairman of RB Leipzig's supervisory board and a Red Bull executive, has now solidified the club's position regarding Diomande's future. He publicly stated a refusal to sell the player, despite the reported nine-figure valuation from an English club.

Mintzlaff declared he would not approve a sale, even if he held the sporting director role at the club. He noted Diomande has not yet completed a full season with RB Leipzig, indicating a need for further integration and experience within the team structure.

The Red Bull chief emphasized Diomande's youth and significant potential for continued development both domestically and at an international level. Mintzlaff suggested that retaining the player would allow his market value to increase further, making him "even more expensive" in the future.

RB Leipzig's decision reflects a clear strategy to cultivate its young talent for both sporting success and long-term financial gain. This stance prioritizes player development within the club's system over immediate high-value transfers, especially for players under long-term contracts. Mintzlaff's recommendation to management is to retain Diomande for the upcoming season.

Retaining Diomande aligns with Leipzig's ambitions, including consistent Champions League qualification, as a strong squad helps achieve these goals. The rejection signals a firm message to other clubs regarding Leipzig's commitment to its key players and its talent development pipeline. Observers will now watch Diomande's on-field performance and development in the upcoming season for RB Leipzig. His continued progression will determine future valuations and potential transfer market movements.