Liverpool are once again dealing with rejection from a top transfer target after Yan Diomande decided he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds have sadly become used to big targets turning them down, with Moises Caicedo, Martin Zubimendi and more choosing to move elsewhere in recent times.
Diomande has now added his name to that unfortunate list after reportedly deciding that he is more likely to challenge for regular trophies – and potentially win the Ballon d’Or – with a move to Paris.
Who should Liverpool’s new top target be after being rejected by Yan Diomande?
This is a BIG blow to the Reds' summer plans 😓
Depressingly for Liverpool supporters, given the current state of the club and the team, there is simply no arguing with the 19-year-old.
Diomande wants to win regular trophies
Journalist David Ornstein was the one to break the news – and break Liverpool hearts – about Diomande’s decision on Sunday, and he did so by including the reasoning behind his choice.
“Yan Diomande chooses Paris Saint-Germain as next destination if he departs RB Leipzig this summer,” Ornstein reported.
“19yo said to believe in PSG project led by Al-Khelaifi / Campos / Enrique + wants chance to lift trophies regularly & win Balon D’Or.”
READ MORE: Liverpool may lose out on both Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola as PSG finally drop transfer clue
Although some Liverpool fans may roll their eyes at the Ballon d’Or point in particular, the fact is that this is important to footballers, especially young ones.
Liverpool’s last, and only, Ballon d’Or winner came in 2001, when Michael Owen stormed to victory after an excellent, treble-winning season with the Reds.
Since then, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Virgil van Dijk have come close, but none has ultimately lifted the trophy. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele is the current holder of the gong, in a clear sign to Diomande that his chances are bettered by moving to the French and European champions.
On the pitch, PSG have also dispatched Liverpool in each of the last two Champions League campaigns before going on to win the trophy. Add that to their almost yearly coronation in France, and the Reds simply cannot compete with that steady stream of almost guaranteed silverware.
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The Reds could reportedly target two forwards, two midfielders and a versatile defender…
Liverpool need players to ‘push the train’
Given everything that happened last season, Liverpool are now in a position where they need to rebuild again.
As Jurgen Klopp once famously said, he wanted to sign players who were prepared to ‘push the train, not jump on a running train,’ and that is where the Reds are once more.
In Diomande’s case, it seems as though he is looking for that running train. In fact, he’s trying to jump aboard the fastest train in Europe right now.
He will undoubtedly pick up the trophies he desires once he settles into his seat, but that is no longer Liverpool’s concern. The Reds must now look down their list and target players who are willing to give their all to make Liverpool a team who regularly wins trophies again.
The Reds will have a plan to do that, and they will surely still make an exciting signing or two. Until then, though, the reality of Diomande’s decision and the reasons behind it will continue to sting.
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