Yan Diomande (foto: Getty Images)
RB Leipzig’s 18-year-old winger Yan Diomande is emerging fast, with German media predicting he could one day be worth more than Benjamin Šeško.
Germany is buzzing about Yan Diomande, the 18-year-old winger who has burst onto the scene with RB Leipzig and is already being tipped as the club’s next major star.
Having only arrived in Europe this year, Diomande’s story is remarkable. Until recently, he played in the United States, featuring solely for youth teams, largely unnoticed by MLS clubs. It was Leganés who first spotted his potential, signing him and then selling him just six months later to RB Leipzig for a stunning €20 million.
Instant impact in the Bundesliga
In his first ten appearances (551 minutes), Diomande has already scored three goals and provided three assists, quickly adapting to top-flight European football. German outlets describe him as “fearless, fast, and technically explosive”, comparing his early impact to that of former Leipzig stars Joško Gvardiol and Benjamin Šeško.
Leipzig’s record transfer remains Gvardiol’s €90 million move to Manchester City, followed by Šeško’s €77 million switch to Manchester United earlier this year. Insiders at the club believe Diomande could be the first to break the €100 million barrier — a milestone that would make him Leipzig’s most valuable export ever.
Rising star for Ivory Coast
On the international stage, Diomande’s progress has been just as impressive. He made his senior debut for Ivory Coast this year and scored twice in his first two matches, confirming his reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting young prospects.
For Leipzig, it’s another triumph of their famous scouting network — and for European football, Yan Diomande might just be the next breakout star to follow in Benjamin Šeško’s footsteps.