Yan Diomande reveals Real Madrid dream after Liverpool miss out

Yan Diomande had his sights set on Real Madrid long before completing his blockbuster move to the Bernabeu, according to the 19-year-old's representatives, offering fresh context to Liverpool's failed pursuit earlier this summer.

Liverpool were prepared to spend £86 million on the Ivory Coast international after identifying him as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

RB Leipzig's demands ultimately went beyond £100m, while Diomande was initially reported to favour Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool subsequently walked away, but the winger's representatives have now revealed that Real Madrid had always represented his biggest career ambition.

Liverpool's interest was serious rather than exploratory.

The Reds were willing to pay £86m for one of Europe's most highly rated young attackers, but Leipzig's valuation prevented negotiations from progressing.

Paris Saint-Germain were also interested, although they were similarly unwilling to meet the German club's asking price.

That opened the door for Real Madrid to complete a deal worth up to £120m earlier this month.

The transfer means Liverpool missed out on a player they had viewed as part of their long-term attacking plans, but comments from Diomande's representatives suggest the Bernabeu may always have been his ultimate destination.

Michael Yormark, co-founder of Roc Nation Sports International, explained that Diomande's ambitions were established during conversations about the direction of his career.

According to Yormark, the teenager told his representatives: "I want to be the best player in the world, I want to win a Ballon d'Or, and I want to win trophies."

Diomande then made his preferred destination clear.

"My biggest [dream] was always to play for Real Madrid."

His representatives subsequently developed a career plan designed to put the winger in a position to eventually reach the Spanish giants.

That suggests Liverpool could have faced a longer-term battle to retain Diomande even if they had succeeded in bringing him to Anfield this summer.

Nathan Campbell, Diomande's agent and Roc Nation Sports International's Head of Global Football Recruitment, described the Real Madrid transfer as the product of the youngster's work and ambition.

Campbell said the deal represents the largest transfer involving an African player in football history, with the final package potentially reaching £120m.

For Diomande, the move also means he has achieved one of his biggest career objectives at only 19.

There is no suggestion Liverpool were merely used as leverage during the negotiations. The Reds were prepared to invest heavily, but Leipzig's valuation and competition for the player ultimately took the deal beyond the point they were willing to pursue it.

Missing out on Diomande has not ended Liverpool's search for another elite attacker.

The Reds are continuing to assess reinforcements and have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola.

The France international would provide another high-level option in the wide attacking positions as Liverpool plan for the future beyond Salah.

Diomande, though, is now firmly out of the equation. His move to Madrid has been completed, and the latest comments from his representatives make clear just how significant joining the Spanish giants was to his personal career plan.

Liverpool's attention now shifts towards finding another attacker after deciding not to match the figures required for Diomande. Talks over Barcola therefore become increasingly significant as the Reds look for a player capable of strengthening their attack immediately while also forming part of their longer-term succession planning.

Diomande, meanwhile, can focus on establishing himself at Real Madrid after securing the move his representatives say he had targeted as the ultimate destination in his career.