Bayern Munich are running away with the Bundesliga.
At this stage, it’s a formality that they’ll claim domestic success. Eight points clear at the summit of Germany’s top tier, the race is on to finish the best of the rest. And leading the chasing pack is RB Leipzig.
In this article, we’ll cover:
The German side lost key players of the summer. Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons left for Premier League pair Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. Lois Openda moved to Serie A side Juventus. Even so, RB Leipzig are flying high. It’s true what they say – Red Bull gives you wings.
Who is Yan Diomande?
One of the key performers behind their fine start to the season is teenage winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old has three goals and two assists to his name following his arrival from Leganes. What’s more, he’s completed at least nine more take-ons (33) than any other player in the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign.
Unsurprisingly, Diomande’s performances for RB Leipzig haven’t gone unnoticed. Not only is he one of Squawka’s seven wonderkids to watch at AFCON, but Premier League pair Liverpool and Tottenham are both said to be keeping tabs on the 19-year-old. The duo are out to bring in a new wide forward in the January window. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a rumoured target for the Premier League giants.
Semenyo boasts a £65m release clause that can be activated next month, meaning both sides are eying up alternatives. Such has been Diomande’s impact at the Red Bull Arena, however, that RB Leipzig have slapped a €100m asking price on the winger to deter suitors.
How does he compare to Premier League wingers?
Even so, that is unlikely to put off interested parties. Diomande has exploded onto the Bundesliga scene, and his showings in Leipzig suggest there is more to come. While he favours to play on the left flank, the teenager is able to operate on either wing, and the explosiveness to his game adds to his unpredictability.
This works in Diomande’s favour as he looks to breeze past a marker. Not only is he averaging 4.2 completed take ons per 90, he boasts a fine success rate of 64.71%. This weighs favourably compared to Spurs star Mohammed Kudus (3.2, 49.38%), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (0.9, 27.5%) and the in-demand Semenyo (1.8, 42.59%).
What’s more, there is evidently an end product to Diomande’s game. A return of 1.6 chances created per 90 is more than both Kudus (1.4) and Semenyo (1.1), though lower than Salah (2.3). Not only can he get the batter of a marker with ease, but he’s able to pick the final pass for a teammate, and this has helped Diomande shoot to prominence.
In addition, when it comes to chance creation, Diomande doesn’t just spam crosses into the box. 1.1 crosses per 90 may not be particularly high, yet he has returned a 25% cross accuracy. Rather than needlessly hang the ball up into his penalty area when he does beat a man, Diomande will continue to drive into the box to cause havoc.
Diomande primed to shine at AFCON
With a desire to either work the ball onto his left or get to the byline, the versatility to Diomande’s attacking approach has seen him truly blossom into one of the most promising widemen in Europe.
However, while Diomande continues to thrive for RB Leipzig, teams keen on the winger may be put off a January move. Despite only making his international debut earlier in the year, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae is expected to call Diomande up to the Elephants squad for AFCON this month.
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Ivory Coast are one of the favourites to go the distance in Morocco. Realistically, this means Diomande may not be available until February. Conversely, a strong showing for the national team would see Diomande’s stock, and asking price, soar. Rather than wait until the summer, teams would be foolish to pass up the chance to sign the forward next month.
Of course, that in itself is a gamble. Diomande only moved to one of Europe’s top leagues last November. Even then, he struggled for game time with Leganes. However, with regular action, Diomande is continuing his impressive rise to superstardom. The directness down the flanks is a quality that interested parties are lacking at present.
And as we approach the January window, Diomande is starting to dominate gossip columns. Teams are keen to maximise the untapped potential of a winger who can ghost past a marker with ease. You might say he’s a Diomande in the rough. Smooth out the edges and he’ll really start to shine.