Paris Saint-Germain Wiretap

RB Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schaefer has dismissed reports linking Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande with a summer departure, insisting the 19-year-old will remain with the club next season.

The Athletic reported Sunday that Diomande's preference is to join Paris Saint-Germain and play under Luis Enrique if he leaves Leipzig, though PSG have yet to submit a formal offer.

"Our clear intention is: Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year," said Schaefer, speaking to German newspaper Bild. "And we're not backing down from that! We know what we have in him. Of course, if Yan continues like this, the time will come when we give him the opportunity to take the next step, but not this year."

Liverpool previously offered a package approaching $115 million for Diomande, but Leipzig rejected the bid last week, holding out for a fee closer to $148 million. Liverpool are now expected to shift focus to other transfer targets.

"In principle, we still have a four-year contract and hold all the cards," said Schaefer. "Therefore, the current developments are primarily a recognition of his performance. Nothing more and nothing less. And if we can't find a solution, then we can't, but he'll still have a four-year contract. So, to reiterate: Yan Diomande will remain a Leipzig player."

Diomande joined Leipzig from Spanish club Leganes for $23 million in the summer of 2025. A breakout debut Bundesliga season and standout performances at this summer's World Cup have drawn significant interest from clubs across Europe.

Should Leipzig eventually sell Diomande, the transfer would surpass the club's previous record sales, including Benjamin Sesko's move to Manchester United in 2025 and Josko Gvardiol's $99 million transfer to Manchester City in 2023.

Diomande and Ivory Coast continue their World Cup campaign Tuesday against Norway in the round of 32.

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has identified Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred destination if he departs the German club this summer, sources told The Athletic. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international believes the PSG project under chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi and football advisor Luis Campos gives him the best platform to compete for trophies and develop into a future Ballon d'Or contender.

Liverpool had previously indicated a willingness to submit a package approaching €100 million ($115 million) for Diomande. Leipzig rejected that offer and have been seeking closer to €130 million while simultaneously attempting to extend the teenager's contract, which runs through 2030 following his arrival from Spanish club Leganes last summer.

A sale at that figure would represent Leipzig's largest transfer fee ever, surpassing the €76.5 million plus add-ons Manchester United paid for Benjamin Sesko in 2025 and the €90 million Manchester City spent on Josko Gvardiol in 2023.

Diomande posted 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Bundesliga matches last season, missing just one league game. He helped Leipzig finish third in the table and qualify for the Champions League. No player in the Bundesliga attempted more dribbles last season, and his success rate ranked highest among European wingers with at least 50 take-on attempts.

The Florida-raised forward made his professional debut for Leganes against Real Madrid less than 18 months ago before Leipzig moved quickly on the strength of barely 500 minutes of footage. He has since scored three times in 13 appearances for Ivory Coast and is expected to feature when his country faces Norway in the round of 32 on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

AC Milan have agreed a club-record fee to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, sources briefed on the deal told The Athletic. The transfer surpasses Milan's previous record outlay for Rafael Leao from Lille in 2019 and represents the most expensive deal in Serie A since Inter Milan signed Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United for €74 million that same year.

Ramos, 25, becomes the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at Milan. The new head coach knows Ramos personally and identified him as his top target for the No. 9 position. The Portugal international's desire to work under Amorim was a significant factor in accelerating negotiations.

Milan beat out competition from several top European clubs to land Ramos, with owner Gerry Cardinale's relationship with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi playing a pivotal role in securing the deal.

Ramos completed his medical while on international duty with Portugal in Florida, where he is preparing for the country's final group-stage match against Colombia in Miami on Saturday. He has appeared once at the 2026 World Cup, coming off the bench late in Portugal's opening draw with DR Congo on June 17.

The announcement coincides with Milan confirming Massimo Calvelli as their new chief executive officer as part of a broader restructuring of the club's leadership this summer.

Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, now willing to offer close to €100 million for the Ivory Coast international, according to The Athletic.

The revised proposal marks an increase from Liverpool's previous offer during talks with the Bundesliga club over a potential transfer fee.

Paris Saint-Germain also remain interested in the 19-year-old but have not yet submitted a formal bid to Leipzig. The French club is waiting to see which destination Diomande prefers before proceeding.

Sources close to the talks indicate PSG currently trails Liverpool when it comes to personal terms offered to the player. As a result, Liverpool appear to hold the advantage in negotiations, though the Reds are reportedly exploring backup options should the deal fall through.

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln's Said El Mala and Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo are reportedly among the alternatives under consideration.

Leipzig has shown no interest in selling Diomande and instead hopes to extend his contract. Reports suggest it would take an offer above €130 million to change the club's stance.

Diomande was nearly ever-present for Leipzig this season, missing just one Bundesliga match due to international duty. He finished the campaign with 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances as Leipzig secured third place and Champions League qualification.

The forward is currently representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup and started in the team's tournament opener, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Sunday. Diomande was widely viewed as the most influential player on the pitch in that match, leading his side in touches, take-ons and chances created.

Diomande was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida roughly 18 months ago before a brief stint at Leganes preceded his €20 million move to Leipzig last year as he's had an incredibly meteoric rise.

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has publicly expressed admiration for Paris Saint-Germain while Liverpool remain among clubs tracking the 19-year-old, sources told ESPN. Leipzig have set an opening asking price of $150 million for the Bundesliga standout.

Diomande enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in Germany, recording 12 goals and nine assists to claim the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.

Speaking to French media, Diomande made clear his affection for the Champions League holders.

"Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little," said Diomande. "I think my father was a PSG supporter. It's a team I admire as a football fan.

"But I'm not thinking about the future. I'm staying focused on the World Cup and then we'll see what happens. They'll sort things out between clubs and we'll see what happens next.

"I'm under contract with Leipzig and I love playing here."

In a separate interview with Telefoot on TF1, Diomande was more direct about his feelings toward a potential move to France.

"Yeah, it would be a pleasure for me to come and play here with one of the biggest clubs," said Diomande. "It's always a pleasure to come here because, already the language, with French, adapting won't be difficult, so why not? But then again, I'm an RB Leipzig player, so there you go."

The Ivory Coast international is contracted at Leipzig through 2030 and will feature as a key player for his nation at the upcoming World Cup. PSG, who claimed back-to-back Champions League titles, have also been linked with the versatile winger.

Bayern Munich have displaced Real Madrid as UEFA's highest-ranked club for the 2026-27 season, the governing body confirmed in its annual club coefficient standings, which determine seedings for European competition draws.

The shift comes despite Madrid winning two Champions League titles within the five-year calculation window, in 2021-22 and 2023-24. Bayern have not reached the final during the same period but have advanced to the quarter-final stage or further in each of the past five seasons, including two semi-final appearances. This season's run included a 6-4 aggregate victory over Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning both legs.

Madrid's slide from the summit reflects successive quarter-final eliminations and a requirement to enter the knockout play-off phase in each of the past two campaigns after finishing outside the top eight in the Champions League league phase.

Rankings are calculated using a points-based system across a rolling five-year period, with each club receiving either its cumulative coefficient from continental competition since 2021-22 or 20 percent of its national association's coefficient over the same period, whichever figure is higher.

Paris Saint-Germain climb two places to third following their second consecutive Champions League title, secured with a final victory over Arsenal. Arsenal, who recorded the highest single-season coefficient points for 2025-26, rise five places to seventh. Liverpool remain fourth after a second straight elimination by PSG, while Manchester City drop four places to sixth following back-to-back last-16 exits.

Inter Milan hold fifth, with Barcelona eighth, Bayer Leverkusen ninth, and Atletico Madrid tenth rounding out the top 10. Aston Villa are the most dramatic movers in the full standings, jumping 29 places to 17th.

Chelsea fall five places to 12th after their last-16 loss to PSG, while Manchester United slip from 11th to 21st following a season without any European competition.

UEFA has announced its 2025-26 Champions League seasonal awards following Paris Saint-Germain's 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in Saturday's final, with PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia named player of the season.

The 25-year-old Georgian recorded 10 goals and six assists across 16 competition appearances and won the penalty that produced his side's equalizer against Arsenal in the final.

The honor marks the second straight season a PSG player has claimed the award. Ousmane Dembele won it last year before going on to claim the Ballon d'Or later in 2025. The award was introduced in 2022, with prior winners including Karim Benzema, Rodri, and Vinicius Junior.

PSG placed five players in the team of the season. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele were joined by defenders Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes and midfielder Vitinha. Finalists Arsenal contributed three selections, with goalkeeper David Raya, defender Gabriel, and midfielder Declan Rice all included. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, teammate Michael Olise, and Atletico Madrid right back Marcos Llorente rounded out the side.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler claimed the newly introduced revelation of the season award, which recognizes young players who achieve a breakthrough campaign in the competition. The honor replaces the former young player of the season prize. Guler registered four assists and two goals in 14 appearances, with both strikes coming in the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

Madrid's Federico Valverde won goal of the season for a flick and volley that completed a hat-trick against Manchester City in the round of 16 first leg.

All honorees were selected by UEFA's technical observer group, which included Gareth Southgate, Claude Makelele, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Rafa Benitez, and Ange Postecoglou.

Champions League Team of the Season

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)

Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Midfielders: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Paris Saint-Germain claimed back-to-back Champions League titles Saturday, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through extra time at Puskas Arena in Budapest, becoming only the second club to successfully defend the trophy since the competition was rebranded in 1992.

Gabriel Magalhaes blasted the decisive spot kick over the crossbar to end Arsenal's hopes of a first European crown. Arsenal held just 26 percent possession, the lowest recorded figure in a Champions League final since 2004 per Opta. PSG dominated the chances, generating a 1.77 to 0.44 expected goals advantage over Arsenal.

PSG joins Real Madrid, which won three successive titles between 2016 and 2018, as the only clubs to defend the championship in the modern era. It was also the first final decided by penalties since Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid a decade ago.

Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead, converting after Marquinhos' clearance ricocheted into his path. PSG leveled when Ousmane Dembele converted a second-half penalty after a VAR review confirmed Cristhian Mosquera had brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the area. Goalkeeper David Raya also saved from Nuno Mendes during the shootout to briefly keep Arsenal level before Gabriel's decisive miss.

"It's even more special because we knew before the match how difficult it would be," said Luis Enrique. "I think it's deserved over the course of the whole season, even if the final was very closely contested."

The victory elevated Luis Enrique into elite coaching company. The Spaniard, who also won the title with Barcelona in 2014-15, became just the fourth manager to claim three or more European Cups, joining Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola.

PSG's starting lineup averaged under 24 years of age.

"We are a young team and we know we are really ambitious," said midfielder Desire Doue. "Next season we have to go again."

Mikel Arteta confirmed defender Jurrien Timber is available to start Saturday's Champions League final for Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain at Puskas Arena.

Timber, 24, has been absent since March 14 with a groin injury but has returned to full training. Winger Noni Madueke is also fit after suffering cramp in Arsenal's final Premier League match against Crystal Palace, where the Gunners lifted the title to end a 22-year wait for the English championship.

Arsenal are seeking the first Champions League title in the club's history. Their only previous final appearance came 20 years ago, when Arsene Wenger's side fell 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris. PSG eliminated Arsenal at the semifinal stage last season.

"It is the opportunity to own the moment," said Arteta. "It is the second time we are here and we have an opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of this football club. In order to do that we have to play tomorrow with such a clarity, a lot of courage and a relentless desire to win."

Arteta dismissed any suggestion the Premier League title had eased the pressure heading into the final.

"The ambition is bigger. We have one and we want the second one," he said. "They are defending the trophy. They are the last ones who earned the right to lift that trophy and they are actually the champions. We are here to take that away from them."

Julian Alvarez has signaled to Barcelona he would prefer joining the Spanish champions over rival suitors PSG and Arsenal, giving the Catalan club a significant edge in what is expected to be a prolonged and competitive transfer pursuit.

Barcelona representatives have already held several meetings with the 26-year-old's camp to explore a possible move. The club acknowledges it cannot match PSG or Arsenal in a direct financial bidding war, but believes Alvarez's preference will prove decisive.

The Anthony Gordon signing, finalized this week for a fee potentially exceeding €80 million ($93 million), is separate from the striker pursuit. Barcelona are looking to replace Robert Lewandowski, who departs as a free agent when his contract expires.

Unlike the Gordon deal, which moved quickly following sporting director Deco's trip to England, a transfer for Alvarez is expected to be considerably more complex. With Atletico Madrid demanding a fee above €100 million ($116 million), sources indicate a resolution may not arrive until after the World Cup.

Atletico's official position is that Alvarez will not leave. However, coach Diego Simeone would not block an exit if the club receives an acceptable offer and the player formally requests a move. Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City for over €85 million ($99 million) in 2024, has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances and holds a contract through 2030.

PSG coach Luis Enrique is leading his club's pursuit of Alvarez. Arsenal, fresh off their first Premier League title in 22 years, are also monitoring the situation.

Barcelona expect to raise transfer funds through player sales this summer, with Ferran Torres among several squad members whose futures remain unresolved.