Liverpool are undertaking ‘intensive scouting and discussions’ regarding RB Leipzig winger Ousmane Diomande.
That’s according to SportBILD. The German newspaper cover the 19-year-old today, and how Leipzig could be forced into a sale this summer.
Leipzig are growing increasingly anxious as they find themselves in a battle for Champions League qualification. A narrow 2-1 victor over Cologne last Sunday brought them into the top four, but they’re far from certain.
The alarm is looming at the club as a second straight season without qualifying would have dramatic consequences. According to SportBILD, the club’s budget is dependent on it.
If that money doesn’t arrive, dramatic cost-cutting measures will be required. With qualification, Leipzig need to generate €100m. Without it, they need another €100m on top. That will mean needing to sell their best players. Yan Diomande will be at the top of the list.
He arrived for €20m from Leganés last summer but has adapted quickly to the Bundesliga. His eight goals and six assists, plus ‘incredible dribbling skills’ have earned interest from around Europe.
Diomande is on the radar of every club, but the ‘most intensive scouting and discussions’ are taking place with the player liaisons of Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Bayern Munich are interest but will drop out if the transfer fee exceeds €60m.
Officially Leipzig will only let Diomande go if they receive an ‘exorbitant offer’. But many inside the club believe that is a big club makes a serious offer; they won’t be able to keep the 19-year-old.
That will definitely be the case if they miss out on the Champions League. In fact, SportBILD believe there will be no chance of keeping him if they don’t. There’s even doubts they can keep him if they do qualify. Internally, the hope is for a €100m transfer.
It is unclear whether Liverpool would pay such a figure. They may need a new right-winger in the summer if Mohamed Salah departs. Sport Witness covered a report this week that stated he had started talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
That might open the door for a big money for Diomande. The Reds are certainly planning ahead, and according to SportBILD, among the clubs working hardest ahead of the summer.