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News
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How Man Utd could line up with Yan Diomande
Cameron Smith
- 5 Feb 2026 16:58 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Manchester United have earmarked RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a key transfer target for this summer amid their continued pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
The Ivory Coast international has excelled since his arrival at Leipzig last summer, registering 14 goal contributions in 21 games for the Bundesliga outfit, and he is wanted by a number of elite clubs across Europe.
Current ETV
Yan Diomande
F (RL)
RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande
F (RL)
RB Leipzig
ETV Range
€23M - €28.1M
Arsenal have reportedly sounded him out as a possible signing for 2026 as they look to add further attacking reinforcements to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, while Liverpool view him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is widely expected to depart Anfield this summer.
Man Utd are also closely tracking his progress and they are keen to bring him to Old Trafford ahead of the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by the Manchester Evening News.
German media speculate that Diomande could cost in excess of €100 million this summer, but rumours of a Premier League switch continue to persist and he could be set for a bombshell English top flight move later this year.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Diomande could fit in at Man Utd if the Red Devils win the race for his signature.
How Man Utd could line up with Yan Diomande
Michael Carrick has overseen a major turnaround since his appointment as Man Utd’s new interim boss and his audition for the role on a permanent basis is going extremely well as things stand.
Since his arrival back at Old Trafford, Carrick has favoured a settled defensive unit, with summer signing Senne Lammens in between the sticks and a back four consisting of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luka Shaw.
They are all expected to retain their respective places as first-choice options next season unless any major signings arrive.
Kobbie Mainoo was the biggest beneficiary of Ruben Amorim’s sacking and he has once again solidified his place as a guaranteed starter since Carrick rejoined the club as caretaker boss.
The England star may well even work his way back into contention for the 2026 World Cup if he maintains his current performance level, although Man Utd will still need to dip into the market for a new central midfielder this summer.
That is because Casemiro has confirmed that he will depart Old Trafford on a Bosman deal when his contract expires in July.
Manuel Ugarte doesn’t seem to be fancied by Carrick and Man Utd will therefore need at least one new central midfielder when the 2025-26 season concludes. Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are both on the club’s radar, although it’s understood that Elliot Anderson is their preferred target as things stand.
The next question Man Utd must answer is whether Bruno Fernandes will still be at the club. The Portugal superstar has enjoyed a sensational campaign, but rumours of an exit persist and he could feasibly leave the Red Devils later this year.
If he stays, however, he will retain his starting XI place, with Amad Diallo likely to be favoured on the right flank and his Ivory Coast team-mate Diomande deployed on the left - if Man Utd secure his signature.
Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo may therefore be in competition for the centre forward position, and the latter is likely to be successful given his recent form in that role.
Man Utd starting XI with Yan Diomande
GK: Senne Lammens
RB: Diogo Dalot
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Lisandro Martinez
LB: Luke Shaw
CM: Elliot Anderson
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
RW: Amad Diallo
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Yan Diomande
ST: Bryan Mbeumo
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