Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on any hopes of a January move for Yan Diomande, but in doing so, may have quietly strengthened Liverpool’s long-term position in the race for the RB Leipzig star.
The 19-year-old only arrived from Leganés last summer, yet he has already exploded into Bundesliga life.
Operating on either wing despite being naturally right-footed, Diomande has produced seven goals and four assists from 17 appearances, quickly becoming one of Leipzig’s most decisive attacking outlets.
What separates Diomande from many young wide players is how difficult he is to defend against in isolation. His acceleration, close control and willingness to take on full-backs make him a constant threat, while his composure in front of goal has improved markedly over the course of the season.
Yan Diomande was playing high-school soccer in Florida little more than a year ago. Now he's scoring at the Africa Cup of Nations ?
The 19-year-old is also the Bundesliga's reigning rookie of the month. His rise is remarkable ??pic.twitter.com/G0O3XEi29E
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) January 8, 2026
That form has not gone unnoticed. Liverpool are joined by Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in tracking the Ivorian, with Leipzig insiders reportedly placing him in the same internal bracket as Erling Haaland in terms of elite potential.
Romano tips Diomande for summer move amid declaration of love for Liverpool
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, made it clear that Leipzig have no intention of selling midway through the season especially after already banking major fees in the summer.
“A summer move? Yes, I think so,” Romano explained. “A January move? That’s very complicated. Leipzig don’t need money now.”
Crucially for Liverpool, Romano also revealed that Tottenham have already attempted to accelerate talks this month, only to see their approach rejected outright.
Liverpool’s interest appears far from speculative. Diomande has previously spoken openly about his desire to play at Anfield, stating: “I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My father’s dream is to see me play for Liverpool.”
Liverpool monitoring elite €120m prospect
Respected transfer insider Graeme Bailey has consistently reported that Liverpool are closely following Diomande’s development. Scouts have been sent to watch him in person as the club builds a detailed profile ahead of a potential summer push.
While some reports have floated a €60m (£52m) valuation, those figures are understood to be wildly optimistic. Sources insist Leipzig would only consider selling for a fee closer to €120m (£104m), reflecting both Diomande’s ceiling and the club’s strong negotiating position.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. Diomande’s ability to operate on either flank makes him a natural fit for a fluid front line.
He could be developed as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right or offer elite-level competition on the left, pushing players like Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz to higher levels.
With Leipzig unwilling to sell in January and at least one rival already rebuffed, Liverpool’s patience may yet prove decisive in one of the summer window’s most high-profile battles.