Yan Diomande details how ‘risky’ Chelsea rejection led to RB Leipzig breakthrough

Despite Chelsea being one of the world’s biggest clubs, Diomande has no regrets about rejecting them.

His decision to play for Leganes and then move on to Leipzig has given him the chance to grow on the pitch, something he felt might not have happened if he had joined the Blues.

Speaking to Bild, Diomande explained: “A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganes; he had helped with my move to the USA.

“Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganes or Chelsea? It was risky, but luckily, it was the right decision. I think patience is very important in football. It’s not always just about money. If you play well, it will come naturally. I’m young; I need to play to increase my sporting value, to improve. And I wouldn’t get that on the bench.”

Chelsea have their own promising young wingers in Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda.

The 18-year-old Brazilian recently scored his seventh goal of the season during a 4-0 win over Hull City in the FA Cup.

Chelsea’s interest in Diomande remains despite the club already having young prospects like Estevao, Quenda, Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Yan Diomande might be a Chelsea player one day

Despite claims last month that Chelsea remains interested in Diomande, securing a deal is not expected to be straightforward.

Other big clubs around Europe are also watching him closely, and the asking price is going to be steep.

Christian Falk reported on CF Bayern Insider that Leipzig have set an £87m price tag for Diomande. That figure has already put off Bayern Munich, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea would consider meeting it.