Amad Diallo May Help Manchester United Pursue Yan Diomande

Manchester United is focusing on transfers in two main areas: opportunities for January and priorities for summer.

The Africa Cup of Nations has affected United’s attack and their main right side options.

Amad Diallo, a key winger, is with the Ivory Coast, while Bryan Mbeumo is with Cameroon, and defender Noussair Mazraoui is with Morocco.

This situation has left the squad short on depth, especially with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo injured.

United recognizes the need to strengthen their squad to prepare for various challenges.

They urgently need replacements, but those replacements should also be able to fit into the team’s long-term plans.

A key target for the winter transfer window is Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65 million release clause that needs quick decision-making.

If they miss out on Semenyo, Yan Diomande is a solid backup option.

RB Leipzig has valued the 19-year-old Diomande at around £87 million, looking to profit from interest from top European clubs.

Let’s explore how United might have an advantage in any transfer discussions, using their connection to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo at AFCON

The Ivory Coast squad for AFCON includes both Diomande and Amad Diallo, with coach Emerse Faé opting for younger attackers.

This matters because international camps allow players to have straight conversations away from agents and club pressures.

Diallo is familiar with Old Trafford and the day-to-day environment under Ruben Amorim. He has seen the changes at Carrington over the past 18 months.

If United wanted a way to introduce a young Ivorian winger being watched across Europe, having a teammate to connect with during the tournament is a great starting point.

Diallo is gaining recognition in the Ivory Coast squad, having helped secure their 2026 World Cup qualification with a goal and assist against Kenya.

He can easily form a bond with Diomande, who also scored in that game, creating a potential link to United.

This doesn’t guarantee a transfer will happen, but it’s a useful edge that top clubs often leverage.

The Example of Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba

This strategy isn’t new for United.

Earlier this season, Bryan Mbeumo was reportedly encouraging his Cameroon teammate Carlos Baleba to consider joining him at United.

Mbeumo is viewed as a guide for Baleba within the national team, influencing his career choices.

While Baleba is still at Brighton, he remains a summer target, and Mbeumo’s connection can be a valuable asset in the future.

Whether this type of connection leads to transfers is uncertain, but it highlights that players often trust each other more than presentations from clubs.

If this kind of relationship exists among Cameroon teammates, it can certainly happen within the Ivory Coast camp as well.

Dialect could share insights on the pressures of playing for United and the potential rewards.

Benefits and Challenges

The advantages for United are clear: genuine insights rather than just highlights from scouting.

Diallo can inform Diomande about what Amorim expects and how United uses its wingers.

Diallo was the one winger Amorim chose to keep, putting him in a wing-back role successfully.

If United can market a summer transfer as a natural next step, they can highlight a winger already succeeding in the same team environment.

This could also create a relationship for future considerations, even if no deal is reached now.

However, there are plenty of reasons to remain cautious.

Leipzig’s high asking price is intended to deter interest, ensuring they either retain Diomande or receive a significant sum for his departure.

Diomande will likely have offers from other elite clubs seeking Champions League football next season, especially if he performs well at AFCON.

Additionally, for many players, AFCON is a crucial moment in their careers, and Diomande’s focus will likely be on his on-field performance rather than future club moves.

Recommended Approach for Manchester United

If United is serious about Yan Diomande, the best strategy is to be patient and clear.

Use AFCON for gathering information and strengthening the connection between Diallo and Diomande.

Let Diallo engage in natural conversations about football, life, and ambitions, without turning it into a recruitment pitch.

Then, if United decides that Diomande is a priority in the spring, they will have an advantage most clubs lack: a trusted voice within his football circle.

Although this won’t lower the transfer fee, having a connection through Amad Diallo can help United stay in contention and influence Diomande’s interest in the club.