Liverpool are interested in signing midfielders Yan Diomande and Assan Ouedraogo from RB Leipzig, but have been informed that a deal for Ouedraogo will not be possible for a fee of €40 million (£35m), according to Bild. The news comes as Liverpool prepare for a significant summer overhaul under new manager Arne Slot, with the club reportedly needing to reinforce multiple positions including forward, midfield, and defence.
Liverpool spent heavily last summer, investing £440 million in new players, and will likely continue to be active in the transfer market, contingent on player sales. The club are specifically seeking a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing, as well as additional attacking options following Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles rupture. Diomande has been identified as their primary target to fill the right wing position.
Ouedraogo, a 20-year-old German midfielder, has been described as possessing a ‘perfect profile’ for Liverpool’s midfield, offering both technical ability and physicality. Comparisons have been drawn to Paul Pogba due to his 6ft 3in stature and ball-playing skills. The club are considering Ouedraogo as a potential replacement for players like Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo, who have all been linked with departures.
However, RB Leipzig are reportedly firm in their valuation of Ouedraogo, with no intention of selling him for a fee as low as €40 million. The player’s contract, which runs until June 2029, contains no release clause, giving Leipzig significant leverage in negotiations. Despite this, Liverpool’s existing positive relationship with Leipzig, stemming from previous transfers involving Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, and Dominik Szoboszlai, could prove beneficial.
Reports suggest that securing Ouedraogo’s signature could ultimately require a bid in the region of €80-100 million (£69-86.5m), with Manchester United and Chelsea also expressing strong interest. Bayern Munich are also understood to be monitoring the situation. Liverpool have already begun official talks with Leipzig regarding Diomande, who is valued at €100 million (£86.5m), though Leipzig are attempting to extend the Ivorian’s contract to delay a potential move.
