Liverpool supporters are already turning their attention towards the summer transfer market as they beg for the season to come to an end.
The Reds were hammered 4-0 by Manchester City on Saturday, with the only small mercy being that they likely have only nine more matches to suffer through.
The hope is that Liverpool then add to their bedraggled squad with some real quality in the off-season, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande seemingly a prime target.
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As the Reds were succumbing to a chastening defeat in Manchester on Saturday, journalist Fabrizio Romano was confirming Liverpool’s interest in the 19-year-old and declaring that a big offer could see him land at Anfield.
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Liverpool could really have used a player like Diomande against City, and speaking on his YouTube channel during the match, Romano put the Reds’ interest in the youngster into context.
“One of the big names to follow for the upcoming months and years is Yan Diomande,” he said. “What’s the situation now? Keep an eye on two ways. One way is to eventually sell the player this summer, with several clubs interested.
“Already in January, Man United had Diomande on the shortlist and he remains a player appreciated. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern are really attentive to the situation of the winger. These two clubs are for sure monitoring the player. Also don’t forget Tottenham, who were keen on the boy in January.”
Yan Diomande pictured running with the ball during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim at Red Bull Arena
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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“The other way, a new way is exploring with the agents of the player. RB Leipzig have proposed to him to stay for one more season, sign a new contract with an improved salary, eventually play Champions League football with Leipzig and maybe leave in summer 2027 or 2028, with the potential inclusion of a release clause. This is the conversation ongoing, let’s see which way they decide to take.”
Romano then turned his attention to Liverpool specifically, confirming that Diomande is one of the players being assessed as a potential attacking addition.
“Let me mention on a specific note, Liverpool,” he said. “Liverpool are looking at wingers, Diomande is one of the players they have been monitoring and they have been following.
“Let me say that if Liverpool, or one of the other clubs, decided to attack with big money this summer, it would be difficult for Leipzig to resist. But they keep insisting on this possibility to include a release clause and keep the player for one more season.”
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Analysis: Diomande may be too costly for Liverpool
Although many supporters would like to see Diomande arrive this summer, their dwindling performances on the pitch may get in the way of that.
If Liverpool do not qualify for next season’s Champions League, it feels improbable that they will be able to afford Diomande’s asking price.
Leipzig are reportedly wanting more than £80m to sell the Ivorian, making him a hugely expensive gamble for a Liverpool team desperate for instant results.
It has been clear all season long that the Reds need some impetus in wide areas, but with so much interest in Diomande, Leipzig are likely to achieve the sale they want. In that context, perhaps Liverpool will be forced to look elsewhere.
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