Jurgen Klopp, now Red Bull's global head of soccer, has described Liverpool target Yan Diomande as "one of the best wingers in the world right now." Speaking as a World Cup analyst for Germany's Magenta TV, Klopp said: "He is unstoppable in one-on-one situations. Nobody defends Diomande for 90 minutes."
Liverpool's £86m Bid and Leipzig's Stance
Liverpool communicated their willingness to bid up to £86m for the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger last week. However, Leipzig prefer to keep the former Leganes youngster and tie him to a new deal with a release clause. Failing that, the German club would hold out for closer to £112m, which would net them a remarkable £95m profit on a player they signed for £17m just 11 months ago.
Diomande has previously expressed happiness at Leipzig, saying: "I'm very happy that my future is in Leipzig. There are enough examples to show that this club is the perfect place for young players to develop at a high level." But last week at the World Cup, he was more non-committal: "Would I be open to the Premier League? I don't know. I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out."
Agent Changes and Legal Dispute
Diomande changed agents earlier this year, swapping Maxidel Management for Roc Nation Sports, the company owned by JAY Z. Roc Nation also represents Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and has spoken to top clubs including Liverpool about Diomande. However, Maxidel Management has filed an ongoing legal dispute, which could impact any £100m move this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain are also suitors, but Liverpool currently lead the race. Leipzig reportedly planned a two-year development path for Diomande before his breakout season, which included a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt on December 6—making him the youngest player in 60 years to score three goals in a Bundesliga game. He finished the season with 12 goals and nine assists in the league.
Liverpool's Relationship with Leipzig
Liverpool have a good relationship with Leipzig, dating back nearly 10 years, with deals for Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Fabio Carvalho. However, a £26m gap in valuations means patience is required. Another factor is Leipzig's search for a new head coach after relieving Ole Werner of his duties; former Manchester City defender Martin Demechelis is in line to take over.
Klopp's opinion carries weight at Red Bull, and he could be integral to the deal. As one observer noted, "The Liverpool-legend-turned-Red-Bull-chief could yet be integral to this blockbuster deal, one way or another."
