Manchester United and Liverpool have shifted their transfer focus to Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure following Yan Diomande’s confirmation that he will remain at RB Leipzig next season.
Diomande had been widely expected to attract significant interest from top European clubs after a successful debut campaign, but the 19-year-old stated this week his intention to continue his development with Leipzig, reportedly with a new contract and release clause in the works.
This decision prompted United and Liverpool to quickly identify alternative targets, leading them to Toure, according to Sky Sport Germany reporter Patrik Berger. The 20-year-old Ivorian has impressed in the Bundesliga, registering five goals and nine assists this season. Hoffenheim missed out on Champions League qualification, making Toure’s departure more likely, with the club placing a €40-50 million price tag on the player.
Several other Premier League clubs have also expressed interest in Toure, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who are described as ‘very interested’. Brighton are also monitoring the situation. Toure joined Hoffenheim last year from Hammarby for a fee of €10 million and has quickly become a key figure for the German side. He also featured for the Ivory Coast during the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Toure is a versatile left-footed winger capable of playing in multiple positions across the left flank, including as a wing-back and forward, and has even been deployed on the right wing. While Diomande was considered a primary attacking target for both United and Liverpool, Toure is now viewed as a viable option. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has also been linked with a potential move to both clubs.
Villa and Newcastle are currently considered to be leading the chase for Toure, and are expected to make a strong push to secure his signature in the coming months.
