PSG unhappy as Liverpool secure academy coach Bafodé Diakhaby move

Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain has brought renewed attention to a lesser-known link between the two clubs, with a behind-the-scenes coaching move now being revisited in France.

Ahead of the quarter-final second leg at Anfield on 14 April 2026, French media have highlighted what has been described as a “hidden transfer” between PSG and Liverpool earlier this year.

According to L’Equipe, Bafodé Diakhaby’s departure from PSG to Liverpool’s academy did not go down smoothly in Paris.

The 37-year-old coach, who had been working within PSG’s youth system since 2017, left the club at the start of 2026 to take up a new role on Merseyside. At Liverpool, he has been working across age groups from U12 to U16 in a hybrid coaching position.

However, PSG were reportedly keen to retain him and did not accept his exit easily, with internal discussions continuing after his departure.

Diakhaby’s decision to leave appears to have been influenced by disagreements over the direction of PSG’s academy setup.

The report suggests he was not aligned with the club’s evolving vision, which led to a deterioration in his relationship with youth director Yohan Cabaye. That breakdown ultimately opened the door for Liverpool to step in.

From recent academy developments we’ve covered, structural changes at top clubs often lead to shifts in coaching staff, particularly when long-term philosophies begin to diverge.

Diakhaby, who previously worked with Paris FC before joining PSG, is said to have taken the opportunity to move to England as a chance for a new professional experience.

Liverpool’s approach came at a key moment, allowing Diakhaby to act quickly once it became clear his future at PSG was uncertain.

The move was not purely professional. It also involved relocating with his family, suggesting a longer-term commitment to his role within Liverpool’s academy structure.

Having followed Liverpool’s youth development closely in recent seasons, the club have increasingly invested in coaching profiles with strong development backgrounds, particularly those experienced in elite European academies.

However, it remains too early to assess the long-term impact of Diakhaby’s arrival.

The timing of this story adds an extra layer to the current rivalry between the two sides. Liverpool go into the second leg needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit after defeat at Parc des Princes on 8 April 2026.

While the coaching move itself is separate from first-team matters, it reflects the broader competition between elite clubs, not only on the pitch but also behind the scenes.

Liverpool’s immediate focus remains on the Champions League second leg at Anfield, where they will attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit.

Beyond that, Diakhaby’s role within the academy is expected to continue developing over the coming months, particularly as he adapts to Liverpool’s structure. PSG, meanwhile, may continue refining their academy approach following recent internal changes.