Liverpool have received a significant boost in their pursuit of one of Europe's most exciting young talents, with a key admission from RB Leipzig's hierarchy offering a potential pathway to a major summer signing.
Leipzig Chief's Transfer Admission Offers Hope
Despite a quiet January transfer window for Arne Slot's Premier League champions, the club's long-term planning may be coming into focus. The Reds have been linked with RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Ivorian sensation Yan Diomande, who only joined the German club from Leganes last summer for £17 million.
Diomande has made a blistering start to life in the Bundesliga, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in just 16 appearances. His form has attracted attention from top clubs across the continent, including Liverpool.
In a crucial development, Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff has now publicly addressed the player's future. While expressing a desire to keep Diomande for more than one season, Mintzlaff conceded to Sky Germany that financial realities could force their hand. "You can’t let him go after just one year," he stated. "But the truth is that there are also other top clubs out there and we have to generate revenue."
This admission will be music to the ears of Liverpool officials, as it clearly signals a potential sale in a future window, likely this summer. The player's own allegiances further fuel the speculation. German publication BILD quoted Diomande as saying: "I want to play for Liverpool. I'm a huge Liverpool fan. My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!"
Defensive Reinforcements Remain a Priority
While an exciting attacker like Diomande is on the radar, Liverpool's more immediate concerns may lie in defence. A combination of injuries and loss of form has exposed vulnerabilities at the back this season.
The situation is compounded by contract uncertainties and long-term absences. Both Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté see their deals expire at the end of the season, while young defender Giovanni Leoni is ruled out until the end of 2026 with an ACL injury.
This defensive crisis makes the link to Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni particularly compelling. According to reports from TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old Italian international is willing to leave the Serie A giants, and a fee in the region of £70 million could secure his services. Bastoni, considered one of the world's finest in his position, is contracted to Inter until 2028.
Slot had a close-up view of the defender last month when Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory at the San Siro, a match in which Bastoni conceded the late penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai.
January Inaction Amidst Pressing Needs
The backdrop to these future plans is a current January window that has seen minimal activity at Anfield. The only arrival so far is 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye, despite the squad being stretched by long-term injuries to key players like Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley.
On-field results have highlighted the need for reinforcements. A disappointing 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield extended Liverpool's run to four consecutive Premier League stalemates. While they have clung to fourth place, the team's performances have drawn criticism from a fanbase growing increasingly restless.
This comes after a summer where the club invested heavily, with a £450 million outlay on new talent. However, clear gaps in the squad remain, suggesting that the club's major business is being planned for the summer window, with the likes of Diomande and Bastoni now emerging as prime targets.
