RB Leipzig have signed Nigeria U20 winger Ibrahim Said as a replacement for in-demand Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande, who is attracting interest from Liverpool following a breakout season. Diomande has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Leipzig are said to value the 19-year-old at approximately $116.5 million amid growing speculation over his future. Said, a 17-year-old Nigerian international, joins from KRC Genk's youth academy on a five-year contract. He has represented Nigeria at the U20 level and was part of the squad during the 2023 WAFU B U20 Championship. Leipzig's sporting director confirmed the club sees Said as a key long-term prospect. No financial details were disclosed for Said's transfer. The club aims to maintain attacking depth should Diomande depart in the summer transfer window.
Leipzig moved fast to sign a 17-year-old Nigerian winger before Diomande's potential exit is even confirmed, banking on unproven youth to fill the gap. The club is gambling that Ibrahim Said can develop into a like-for-like replacement despite having no senior professional appearances. Said's inclusion in Nigeria's U20 setup offers a glimpse of his potential, but he has yet to play competitive club football in Europe.
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