Liverpool are continuing their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, with the club remaining optimistic about securing a deal despite a reported increase in the asking price. The Reds are viewing Diomande as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian’s departure.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leipzig are currently seeking a fee exceeding €100 million (£86.3m) for the Ivory Coast international, with the price reportedly increasing by approximately €1 million per day. This tactic is intended to buy time while Leipzig assesses whether Diomande will sign a new contract with the Bundesliga club. If Diomande commits to an extension, a summer move would likely be off the table.
Interest in Diomande is not exclusive to Liverpool, with Paris Saint-Germain also expressing a strong interest. The presence of PSG in the race has further complicated negotiations and potentially inflated the player’s valuation. Despite this competition, Jacobs believes a deal remains achievable for Liverpool, citing growing confidence that Diomande is receptive to a move to Anfield.
TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, previously reported that Liverpool had been in almost daily contact with Diomande as early as December. While a deal was not expected to be finalized before the start of the World Cup, negotiations have continued, with Liverpool reportedly considering involving winger Cody Gakpo in a potential swap deal. Reports suggest Gakpo may be unsettled at Anfield and has submitted a transfer request.
However, Diomande himself is not actively pushing for a move, currently prioritizing his participation in the World Cup finals with Ivory Coast. Despite this, Liverpool remain hopeful of convincing the player to join, even acknowledging his public expressions of affection for PSG. The situation remains fluid, with Liverpool prepared to explore alternative options, such as Bradley Barcola, should a deal for Diomande prove unattainable.
