Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move to sign RB Leipzig teenage sensation Yan Diomande in 2026 as the North Londoners look to accumulate talent at Hotspur Way.
The North Londoners have adopted a transfer policy of bringing in young players and developing them through the corridors at Hotspur Way in the past couple of years. And we have seen the likes of Lucas Bergvall coming through into the playing eleven at a budding age. This in itself is an aid to the policy. And the 2006-born wide forward would be looking to enjoy a similar trajectory to the limelight, especially given that Tottenham offers him that opportunity to play in the English top tier for one of the big six.
The North Londoners have been looking to bring in someone who can be an exciting presence in that left channel, and Diamonde makes it an intriguing prospect. The 18-year-old is primarily a left winger, and he has been showcasing his talent for the Red Bull-owned German giants this season. If signed, he could bring a lot of excitement with his abilities on the left.
Given that many Lilywhites supporters have been frustrated with the rawness of Wilson Odobert, so much so that there have been links with a possible exit for the former Burnley man. And in Diamonde, the Lilywhites can sign someone who can take over that ‘prospect for the future’ role in the position at Hotspur Way.
Strengths
Diomande has that explosiveness about him. He has that progressive carrying ability which gives him an advantage going into 1v1s, especially given how most of the times he is quite willing to take on defenders.
A lot of times when he has played, he tries to hold that width and then stretch the play actually. And once he has the ball, he tries to drive in behind his man. He uses his physical to create space between him and his marker.
He shows an ability to get into good positions and convert when the chance arises.
You could say a lot about his abilities with this official statement from Leipzig’s Managing Director Marcel Schäfer: “left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism and a real eye for goal. He never gives up on a ball.”
Moreover, alongside his threat out wide, he can also be used in the narrow role, especially given his dribbling abilities alongside how he finds space. You can develop him into an inside carrier over time as well.
Weakness
Again, given his age and how he has only had limited first-team minutes, his rawness is quite apparent. And while he brings that dribbling ability and carries, he still doesn’t have that final pass in him at times (which is also a problem that we have seen time and again with Odobert these days).
And he also may need to get better at that decision-making of when to carry and when to pass. These final actions need to be ironed out properly.
If signed, Thomas Frank may also need to work on his defensive actions. Given that he is young, many would prefer to have him play with all the freedom. But Tottenham play in a structure, and one mis-link in the structure and they end up damaging the entire system (by defensive actions I don’t just mean coming back, but also running upfront into presses).
How can he fit in at Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank?
Tottenham like to be more proactive in a structured system since Thomas Frank took over the reins at Hotspur Way. And this is where we have seen him use wide players who can not only carry but also get the better of opponents’ lines (viz. Kudus). And this dribbling with pace but with a goal threat is where Diomande can develop into a massive threat for the North Londoners.
We know how the Dane head coach loves more dynamic options, and that is where the 18-year-old left winger would also pique his interest. You can not only use him to invade into half spaces but also to carry the ball forward. This will add a bit of dynamism to the side.
But Tottenham fans also will have to be very patient with him, much like with Odobert. This one looks like it’s for the North Londoners to decide which one of the two has more potential and keep that player in the squad. And moreover, with Yan Diomande, Tottenham will face a lot of competition from other Premier League rivals, so it is to be seen whether it does make sense to secure his signature.
