Liverpool’s interest in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has been deemed “completely unrealistic” ahead of this summer, turning them to Yan Diomande.
Olise has been touted as a target for Liverpool on a number of occasions, including earlier this week with Sky Germany reporting on their interest.
But following up on their report journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that, after background checks on the Frenchman’s situation, a move is seen as “completely unrealistic.”
The journalist claims that Liverpool are instead set on targeting RB Leipzig’s Diomande, who is another forward regularly linked with a move to Anfield.
Writing on X, Plettenberg explained that Olise is “not for sale” and Bayern are instead looking to reward his outstanding form with a new contract beyond 2029.
Yan Diomande: Why Liverpool are targeting RB Leipzig winger
3DR18JJ Leipzig, Poland. 15th Feb, 2026. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig seen during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena. Final score RB Leipzig 2 : 2 VfL Wolfsburg. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
Diomande is now the focus, with the 19-year-old considered available if Leipzig’s price tag of around €100 million (£87m) is met.
That asking price could drop if Leipzig fail to qualify for the Champions League, which clearly Liverpool would be hoping for to strengthen their hand in any negotiations.
Though Olise is the second-top source of goals in this season’s Bundesliga – scoring 10 and assisting 18 in 23 games – Diomande is the youngest player among the top 10 having contributed the sixth-most goals (15).
He has proved a revelation on the right wing for Leipzig, and with Mo Salah seemingly nearing the exit amid interest from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool are understandably weighing up their succession plan.
Diomande will not be the only player on their shortlist and PSG’s Bradley Barcola was among those linked last summer – albeit as a regular on the left wing.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
When it comes to Liverpool’s plans for the summer, however, much will depend on their own attempts to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Arne Slot‘s side are currently fifth in the table, which should be enough to earn a place in the 2026/27 competition, but they could be as many as six points adrift of fourth or even drop to sixth if results go against them on Wednesday night.
Missing out on next season’s Champions League would not only limit the pool of elite-level players they can attract but also significantly reduce the funds available to them.
That complicates the process when it comes to approaching the summer market, and it would be no surprise if a talent of the calibre of Olise was already put off leaving Bayern for Liverpool in their current state.