Liverpool supporters look unlikely to get their wish of a new attacking signing – or any signing at all – granted during the January window.
The Reds drew with Burnley on Saturday to underline once again just how short of quality their squad currently is.
Nevertheless, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards appear reluctant to do business mid-season, despite continued links to the likes of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
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Diomande has had a breakout season in Germany, leading to suggestions that he could make a mega-move in 2026.
Liverpool have been rumoured to be in the mix for the 19-year-old, and Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff has now outlined what the plan for Diomande could be.
RB Leipzig could reluctantly sell Yan Diomande
Pacey, direct and an ever-growing goal threat, Diomande appears to be everything Liverpool’s forward line is currently missing.
The Ivory Coast international is only going to get better, and after Diomande admitted to being a Liverpool supporter, expectation over an eventual transfer has risen.
Yan Diomande points to the crowd at full-time of the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg at the Red Bull Arena
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Quotes from Mintzlaff to Sky Germany via journalist Florian Plettenberg will do nothing to dampen that after the executive admitted that although Leipzig would rather not sell the youngster after only one season, financial realities could make a deal inevitable.
“You can’t let him go after just one year,” he said. “But the truth is that there are also other top clubs out there and we have to generate revenue.”
Plettenberg goes on to confirm that Liverpool are one of the ‘top clubs’ monitoring Diomande ahead of a move next summer.
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Yan Diomande in action during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen at the Red Bull Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto).
Said El Mala celebrates after scoring for FC Koln during their Bundesliga match against St Pauli (Credit: Getty Images/Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Ralf Ibing – firo/Sportphoto
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“As revealed, FC Bayern are very keen on him for the summer. However, it depends on the price. Top clubs from England are also interested, including Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and others,” he said.
Could a January deal be possible?
Liverpool’s dour draw with Burnley did a good job of showcasing exactly what the Reds still need to add in wide areas of their attack.
However, having sat tight and watched Antoine Semenyo join Manchester City, it seems highly unlikely that Liverpool will attempt to make a signing this month.
Work will already be underway for summer additions, and if contact is being made over Diomande, that will be the reason.
Of course, the likes of Chelsea and Man City are not afraid of January activity, and if one of them jumps in with a big offer, Liverpool may be left empty-handed once again.
For now, though, the expectation appears to be that if Diomande is to leave Leipzig, it will not be until the end of the campaign.
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