Chelsea transfer target Yan Diomande has admitted that he once already rejected a chance to join the club.
We covered a story back in November 2025 suggesting that the young attacker was a top Chelsea target and has really impressed scouts of late.
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And then again in the January transfer window of 2026, the youngster was being linked with Chelsea once again.
But whilst all these links had been coming in, none of us had any idea that actually, Diomande had a chance to join Chelsea when he was younger, but he turned that chance down.
Diomande’s Chelsea rejection
Yan Diomande playing for RB Leipzig. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
By joining Leganes and then Leipzig, Yan Diomande says he has been able to play and develop, suggesting that would not have happened at Chelsea.
In an interview with Bild, Diomande said: “A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganes; he had helped with my move to the USA.
“Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganes or Chelsea? It was risky, but luckily, it was the right decision. I think patience is very important in football. It’s not always just about money. If you play well, it will come naturally. I’m young; I need to play to increase my sporting value, to improve. And I wouldn’t get that on the bench.”
Trials at Chelsea
Diomande even admits that he had a trial with Chelsea during this time.
“I had my first trials with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Rangers.”
Wonder if he will soon get another chance to join Chelsea, and take it this time!