RB Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff explains wish to keep Yan Diomande at club

Yan Diomande is currently enchanting not only RB Leipzig fans, but also his boss, chairman of the supervisory board Oliver Mintzlaff. After Leipzig's victory against Union Berlin, Mintzlaff explained his hopes to keep the 19-year-old talent at the club.

After running on a treadmill by the touchline to raise funds for charity, Mintzlaff reflected on Leipzig's 3-1 win against Union Berlin, as well as the future of star winger Diomande. The Ivorian has garnered attention the world over with some outstanding displays this season, leading to speculation over his long-term future. 

When quizzed about Diomande, who has scored 12 Bundesliga goals in his debut season in Germany, the Leipzig chairman said: "If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us yet. No matter what price is being offered. I believe he's a player who still has room to develop, because he's still very young. He certainly has the potential to become even more valuable."

Watch: Leipzig beat Union Berlin

RB Leipzig 3-1 Union Berlin24.04.2026

Mintzlaff also underlined the attacker's importance to the club, saying: "Our goal is always to keep developing. A few years ago, we were ranked seventh in the UEFA five-year ranking. 

"We've slipped significantly in the last three years. But the goal, of course, is to get back to where we were. We once reached the Champions League semi-finals." 

The win against Union took Leipzig a step closer to returning to the Champions League next season ahead of a difficult trip to fellow top-four hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 32.

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