Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s teenage sensation Yan Diomande after informing the Bundesliga club of their willingness to structure a transfer package approaching €100 million.
The bold move positions Anfield officials at the front of the queue for the Ivory Coast international, despite fierce competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Leipzig’s deep reluctance to part with their prized asset.
Following the appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach last week the Basque manager swiftly replacing Arne Slot after the Dutchman’s abrupt sacking at the end of May sporting director Richard Hughes has placed a radical overhaul of the club’s attacking flanks at the top of his summer agenda.
With Mohamed Salah’s Anfield departure and Cody Gakpo struggling for consistency, Liverpool require elite reinforcements. The club secured their first signing of the Iraola era on Wednesday, hijacking Newcastle United’s advanced negotiations to land and seal the deal for Osasuna’s Víctor Muñoz. Yet, senior figures at Anfield have no intention of stopping there.
The push for Diomande
The pursuit of Diomande, 19, represents a significant statement of intent from the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ownership. The prodigious forward notched 13 goals and 10 assists for Leipzig last season before carrying that form onto the international stage, where he excelled in Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Ecuador.
Liverpool have now submitted two distinct proposals for Europe’s most coveted teenager. While reports from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano indicate that Leipzig rejected an initial package totaling a £75.9 million fixed fee plus £8.4 million in potential add-ons, Liverpool have since refined their terms to hit the overall £84.3 million valuation.
Writing on X, David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed the heightened activity from the Merseyside club:
“EXCL: Liverpool inform RB Leipzig of willingness to pay package approaching €100m for Yan Diomande. #LFC firmly in driving seat at present but studying more options if needed as #RBLeipzig want to keep 19yo + #PSG remain strong contender @TheAthleticFC.”
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity indicate that Liverpool have edged ahead of the French champions, particularly regarding the personal terms presented to the player’s camp.
Seeking multiplicity out wide
While Muñoz offers versatility across the frontline, Liverpool view Diomande as the premier candidate to succeed Salah on the right side of the attack. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio clarified that the recruitment team continues to look at multiple high-profile targets to ensure Iraola possesses sufficient depth.
“There can’t be only one name for Liverpool. Victor Munoz is on one side, Diomande is one of the options who remain in the list. I would still mention a name that I have been mentioning for the last months on Liverpool, and it’s a name I want to keep there. It’s not something new, because if you follow the channel, you know I am always mentioning him, but Bradley Barcola remains a player appreciated by Liverpool.”
The club’s desire to secure a second specialist winger before the window closes stems from a clear profile mandate established by Hughes and the data department.
Contingency plans evaluated
Given the volatile nature of negotiating with Red Bull structures and the financial muscle of PSG, Anfield officials have compiled a strict contingency shortlist.
The recruitment team will not allow the broader window strategy to stall if the Diomande deal hits an impasse.
Journalist Ben Jacobs outlined the alternative paths under consideration by the Liverpool hierarchy on Thursday, detailing the specific traits the club requires:
“Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz. Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig’s asking price, there are other targets. Understand pace is the key criteria.
Also on the list are Köln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. All options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive. Bradley Barcola another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.”
The inclusion of Minteh, El Mala, and Fernandez-Pardo underscores a clear scouting focus on high-ceiling, young wide players capable of pressing aggressively under Iraola’s tactical system. While Liverpool remain determined to land Diomande as their marquee attacking signing, the recruitment team has insulated the club against the risk of putting all their eggs in a single basket.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
Laying down a package worth £84.3 million shows that Liverpool mean business under Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes. Hijacking the Víctor Muñoz deal was an excellent piece of opportunistic business, but filling the eventual void left by Mohamed Salah requires a truly elite, transformative talent.
Diomande fits that profile perfectly. His raw pace, directness, and numbers in Germany suggest he is the ideal long-term solution for the right flank.
However, Red Bull clubs are notorious negotiators, and with PSG looming in the background, The Reds are right not to tunnel-vision on one player.
