RB Leipzig’s £20 million summer signing Yan Diomande has revealed how close he came to joining Rangers during a trial spell at Ibrox.
The 18-year-old winger, signed from Spanish side Leganés, admits it was his former agent’s demands that blocked the move.
Diomande previously spent time with Rangers’ B team two years ago, even featuring in a friendly against Monaco after arriving from US fourth-tier club AS Frenzi. Despite showing promise, he left without a deal and later signed for Leganés, where Leipzig eventually triggered his release clause.
Reflecting on the failed move to Scotland, he explained:
“Two years later, I was on trial at Glasgow Rangers. It’s not true that I didn’t want to sign — my agent at the time asked for too much money.”
The youngster also revealed unsuccessful trials with Olympiacos before finally breaking through in Spain. He credits those experiences with giving him resilience and independence.
Now part of Leipzig’s squad, Diomande admits he’s still coming to terms with the rapid rise of his career. Recently, he was left stunned after a personal chat with Jürgen Klopp, the club’s head of football.
“I only knew him from TV, a legend. Then suddenly we shook hands, he hugged me, and told me to be patient. I was extremely impressed.”
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