Liverpool have opened discussions with RB Leipzig over a potential transfer for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, according to the i paper. The move comes as the club prepares for the departure of Mohamed Salah this summer, with the Egyptian having announced his intention to leave Anfield after nine years.
Diomande, 19, is reportedly keen on joining Liverpool and becoming the long-term replacement for Salah, having already given initial approval to the move. David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Liverpool are in a stronger position to agree personal terms with the player than Paris Saint-Germain.
Leipzig initially valued Diomande at €100 million (£86 million), but his recent performances and the competition for his signature have prompted the Bundesliga club to increase their asking price to around €140 million (£120 million). Leipzig would ideally prefer to keep Diomande for another season, but may be willing to sell if their valuation is met.
Liverpool are exploring various options to lower the fee, including the possibility of including Cody Gakpo in the deal, with ongoing discussions between the clubs. TEAMtalk reported in December that Liverpool had been in contact regarding a potential move for Diomande in the summer of 2026, but the situation has accelerated in recent weeks.
The potential departure of Salah has been a subject of speculation, with former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren suggesting that the Egyptian may have stayed had Arne Slot been sacked earlier. Lovren stated that Salah and Slot did not have a good relationship, contrasting with the strong bond Salah shared with previous manager Jurgen Klopp. However, despite the speculation, a departure for Salah appears increasingly likely.
Diomande has rapidly progressed as a player, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. Should he complete a move to Liverpool, he would be tasked with filling the significant void left by Salah, one of the club’s all-time leading goalscorers.
