Liverpool have moved ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Yan Diomande, but RB Leipzig will demand a staggering £87 million if they decide to let him go.
Diomande's Breakout Season
Diomande, 19, enjoyed a superb breakout season with Leipzig after joining from Spanish side Leganes in July 2025. The winger, who can play on both sides of the attack, finished the campaign with 13 goals and nine assists in 36 games for the Bundesliga outfit.
In addition to his exploits at club level, Diomande represented the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations mid-season. His emergence has sparked interest from across Europe, including from both Liverpool and PSG.
Liverpool's Search for Salah's Successor
The Athletic reports that Liverpool are now in a strong position to sign Diomande as they search for Mo Salah's successor. Leipzig would demand £87 million for his signature, but they hope to keep him for another season after qualifying for the Champions League.
Should Liverpool decide to act on their interest, Anfield chiefs will open talks with their counterparts at the Red Bull Arena. PSG, however, would need to sell a player in order to buy Diomande, and have other options in their search for a wide forward.
Diomande's Motivation
The Ivorian is under contract until June 2030 but admits that he has been 'motivated' by links of a big-money move. 'Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job… you're going to be happy and motivated to do more,' Diomande said earlier this month.
'I don't think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.'
Leipzig's Stance
Leipzig chairman and Red Bull head honcho Oliver Mintzlaff intends to keep him until at least next summer. 'If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us yet,' Mintzlaff recently declared.
'No matter what price is being offered. I believe he's a player who still has room to develop, because he's still very young. He certainly has the potential to become even more valuable.'
