RB Leipzig Slap €100 Million Price Tag on Diomande Amid Manchester United Interest

RB Leipzig have placed a staggering €100 million valuation on teenage phenom Yan Diomande, sending a clear message to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and other clubs circling their rising star. Remarkably, the 19-year-old only made his professional debut less than eight months ago.

Oliver Mintzlaff, the executive overseeing Red Bull's football operations, didn't mince words about the club's intentions. Anyone hoping to pry Diomande away from Leipzig will need to break the bank. Mintzlaff has stated his expectation that the youngster will remain at the club for multiple seasons, not just a single campaign.

Diomande's meteoric rise reads like a Hollywood script. Just over twelve months ago, the Ivorian was training at a private academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, without a single minute of senior-level football to his name. Fast forward to today, and Leipzig are reportedly rejecting offers in the €90 million range.

The Ivory Coast international arrived from Spanish side Leganés for €20 million last summer. Since then, he's been nothing short of sensational for the Bundesliga outfit. His performances have been so impressive that Leipzig centre-back Willi Orban publicly acknowledged that elite clubs would naturally be interested in securing his services.

Leipzig Refuse to Budge on Valuation

According to reports from The Athletic, both Manchester United and Tottenham have expressed interest in acquiring the midfielder. However, Leipzig's stance remains firm. Mintzlaff recently informed Sky Sport Germany that even bids ranging from €80-90 million wouldn't sway their position.

"With such a young player that we just signed, you can't give him away after just one year," Mintzlaff explained. Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer was equally emphatic when questioned about potential suitors. "There's not even anyone in the passenger seat. Everyone's in the back," he stated.

For those monitoring the summer transfer window, this appears to be a non-starter. Leipzig have made their stance crystal clear - Diomande will not be departing this year, regardless of the financial offers presented.

Bayern Munich Enter the Conversation

Bayern Munich have also been linked with a potential move for Diomande. Their sporting director Christoph Freund employed the diplomatic approach of addressing the speculation without directly commenting on another club's asset.

"Generally speaking, he's a very good player who's had a very good development," Freund noted. While acknowledging it's natural for Bundesliga standouts to be associated with Bayern, he emphasized that Diomande is a Leipzig player and declined to elaborate further.

The takeaway? This wonderkid who emerged from complete obscurity has become virtually untouchable in mere months. Leipzig recognize the gem they possess and have no intention of selling - not at a discount, and certainly not this summer. Manchester United and Spurs will need to pursue alternative targets or prepare to wait at least another year before revisiting their interest.