Liverpool have been “shifting their focus” away from Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Writing on his X account, Plettenberg said that Olise was the “dream target” for the Reds, but the transfer has now been deemed “unrealistic” by the recruitment team.
Olise has been in outstanding form for Bayern, having racked up 13 goals and 25 assists in all competitions this season.
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The Bundesliga giants are reportedly keen to tie him down to a new contract to ward off potential interest from Premier League clubs.
Doubts linger over Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes
The defeat to Wolves on Tuesday night has raised further questions about whether this team can finish in the top 4/5 this campaign.
Liverpool invested a sizeable amount of money in transfers last summer, and if they don’t qualify for Europe’s top competition, they could lose up to £120m in additional revenue.
In that scenario, funding a move for a player like Olise would be nigh on impossible, that’s even before you consider whether the player would be open to leaving Bayern.
Is a move for Diomande any more realistic?
If Leipzig do hold out for their current €100m (£87m) asking price, you do wonder whether there would be sufficient funds to match that valuation.
Some have claimed that Leipzig are simply posturing, and they will end up backing down and selling for a lower amount.
However, Diomande is in high demand. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old.
There is no reason for Leipzig to drop their price tag at the moment, although they may well soften their stance if the German club fail to qualify for the Champions League themselves.
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