Liverpool have told RB Leipzig that they are ready to offer £86 million for Yan Diomande after weeks of talks with the Bundesliga club over their Ivory Coast international. The 19-year-old winger wowed ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright with his performance for the Ivory Coast against Germany at the World Cup.
Diomande's World Cup Performance
Diomande set up his country's goal against the four-time world champions, crossing the ball that their opponents failed to clear before Franck Kessie opened the scoring. The winger also impressed in their opening game against Ecuador. Amad stole the headlines by scoring the 90th-minute winner in that one. Diomande, however, starred on Saturday night despite Germany ultimately winning 2-1.
Speaking at half-time, when Kessie's goal still separated the sides, Neville sang his praises. The pundit said on ITV: "On the counterattack, they've got massive strength down that left-hand side with Diomande. A little bit of Amad on the right, but mainly Diomande on this left-hand side, he's been absolutely brilliant."
Pundits Praise Diomande
Duncan Ferguson added: "The big players turned up, didn't they? Diomande, great pace down the left-hand side, and it was a great delivery. He's had a fantastic game, and Kimmich has really struggled against him." Neville then said: "He's one of the most experienced right-backs in the world, and he's toiling in this first half."
Ian Wright interjected: "He looks afraid of him," to which the former Manchester United player agreed, saying: "He is. He's a 19-year-old kid; they've had 56% of their attacks down that side, which is massive. And I've been there as an ageing right-back when you've got a young kid who's fearless, and it's not pleasant."
Wright continued: "He's definitely lived up to the hype. They've just taken over, and he, in particular, Diomande, has just gone to another level in the game, lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant; he's just absolutely tearing them to pieces." Neville then explained: "When you've got someone who's skilful, who can go both ways, and he's quick, you need support. They're trying to get over three or four German players now, are trying to get over near Diomande, but even that, at times, isn't enough."
Liverpool's Transfer Plans
Liverpool have significantly stepped up their discussions with RB Leipzig after weeks of talks. The Reds are now ready to offer £86 million for the winger after already signing Victor Munoz, and have made that known to the Bundesliga club. Despite already signing the Spain international, the club continue to prioritise adding another wide forward after the exit of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike's ruptured Achilles. Leipzig, however, are thought to be holding out for more like £112 million and want Diomande to sign a new contract rather than doing a deal to sell.
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