Liverpool are exploring a player-plus-cash offer involving Harvey Elliott to facilitate a move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to a report from The Telegraph. The potential deal emerges as the Reds prepare for the departure of Mohamed Salah, whose contract is being terminated a year early, making a new right-sided forward a priority this summer.
Leipzig are reported to be holding out for a fee of €100 million (£86 million) for Diomande and are keen for the Ivorian to remain in Germany for another season. Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, is said to be formulating an offer that would see Elliott, valued at approximately £35 million, move to the Bundesliga club as part of the transaction. This could reduce Liverpool's cash outlay to around £51 million while providing Leipzig with a direct replacement capable of playing across several attacking midfield roles.
The 23-year-old Elliott spent the past season on loan at Aston Villa, where a lack of playing time under Unai Emery means a previously agreed £35 million option to buy will not be triggered. Despite a challenging campaign, Elliott's technical quality has long been admired, with Leipzig previously registering interest in the England international. Diomande, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in the Bundesliga, making him a natural target for a club seeking to replenish its attacking options.
Separate sources indicate that official talks between Liverpool and Leipzig for Diomande have already commenced, but the German club's desire to extend the player's contract could complicate any immediate transfer. The situation underscores the strategic calculations both clubs are making ahead of the summer window, with Liverpool aiming to secure a key target without a prohibitive straight cash fee.
In a further development, German outlet Fussball Daten reports that Borussia Dortmund left-back Daniel Svensson has emerged as a 'top target' for Liverpool. With Andy Robertson also set to leave Anfield, the Reds are in the market for a new defender. The 24-year-old Swedish international is said to be available for a fee between €40-45 million (£34.5-39 million) and reportedly dreams of a move to the Premier League, though Arsenal and Leeds United are also credited with interest.
The backdrop to these potential moves is Salah's imminent exit, which the Egyptian confirmed in an interview with Steven Gerrard. "I feel to go through the season this is the right thing to do now, and I have peace with it," Salah stated, adding that the difficulties of the past campaign reinforced his decision. He revealed he has "a lot of options" for his next club but has not yet made a final choice. Salah's departure marks the end of an era and necessitates a significant reshaping of Liverpool's forward line, with Diomande positioned as the primary candidate to fill the void.
