Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, and a fresh update has now emerged regarding his potential next club.
The 19-year-old is a huge attacking talent who could have a special career, with the Reds reportedly eyeing him up as a great summer option.
Mohamed Salah’s performances this season have shown that he is past his best, and that an elite young option is required to eventually replace him.
The displays of Cody Gakpo have also been lacking on the left wing, so at least one new winger is paramount for Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
But according to TEAMtalk, Diomande is Manchester United “No.1 target” on the wing currently, acting as a possible blow for the Premier League champions.
The report states that the teenager “dreams of playing for Liverpool”, which can only be a good thing, but it feels like United are arguably pushing harder to get their man.
Should Liverpool do all they can to sign Diomande?
As mentioned, Diomande is an incredibly gifted young footballer who has already impressed for Leipzig in his short stint in the first team, bagging 14 goal contributions in just 21 appearances for the Bundesliga side.
He has also scored three goals in nine caps for the Ivory Coast, while scout Jacek Kulig has heaped praise on him this season, saying*, “6 goals and 2 assists in his last 6 Bundesliga games.Yan Diomande is absolutely flying in Germany right now. A sensational debut season for the 19-year-old Leipzig winger!”*
The fact that Diomande is at his best on the left flank means he would likely be seen as a Gakpo replacement over Salah, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t also shine on the right.
At 19, there is still a rawness to the Ivorian’s game, so it would be unfair to expect consistent fireworks from the off, but there is so much to admire about him.
Liverpool and United are battling for Champions League qualification, and ultimately, whoever comes out on top may have a better chance of acquiring Diomande’s signature. That should act as a big incentive for Arne Slot’s side.