When RB Leipzig secured Yan Diomande last summer, even head coach Ole Werner didn't anticipate the immediate fireworks. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has taken the Bundesliga by storm, registering 19 direct goal contributions in his debut season and quickly establishing himself as one of European football's most coveted young talents.
"Yan is a really important player for us," Werner told Bundesliga. "He's an excellent player who everyone here enjoys working with. And we'd like to continue working with him."
The rapid rise has naturally attracted attention from clubs across the continent, but Werner remains optimistic about keeping his starlet. "It's also clear there will be interest in a player like him. If the coach could decide, then, of course, Yan would be playing here next year. It's good he's got a contract. I think he feels very comfortable here with us."
Leipzig's return to the Champions League for the 2026/27 season could be a game-changer. After missing out on European competition this term, the prospect of testing himself against the continent's elite could be the perfect incentive for Diomande to stay.
"Given we'll be playing in the Champions League next season, he can continue to develop here," the 38-year-old coach added. "The summer will show how things progress, but we'll all be happy if he stays here."
RB Leipzig has built a reputation as a talent factory, developing young stars before selling them for substantial profits. But Werner is keen to avoid another summer exodus like last year, when Benjamin Šeško, Xavi Simons, and Loïs Openda all departed before his first official game in charge.
"Our objective is that we don't have the sort of upheaval we had last summer," Werner stressed. "It's important that we don't start again from scratch next season. We've developed a framework this season that can carry us. We've got some amazing young players and want to keep developing them."
As for Diomande specifically, even Werner admits the teenager has exceeded all expectations. "Yes, I was surprised that he managed to play at this level so consistently," he confessed. "When we looked at him last summer, we had an idea he was an excellent talent. The question was how quickly someone can perform like that consistently. And the answer has been remarkable."