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Liverpool have been linked with a summer move for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande as they search for a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave Anfield.
Diomande has impressed in his debut Bundesliga season, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
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Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for the 19-year-old, although any deal would be complicated by his £86m release clause.
Arne Slot’s side are preparing for a squad rebuild after failing to retain their Premier League title, despite securing Champions League qualification.
Liverpool have strong recent transfer ties with RB Leipzig, having previously signed Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, and Naby Keita, which could help negotiations or even open the door to a reduced fee.
Diomande, who has emerged as the leading transfer target for the Reds, has addressed speculation about his future, naming Liverpool while admitting he “wants to play for a big club.”
“Yeah, I heard,” Diomande told So Foot (via Sport Witness) when asked about the new reported price tag. “But I don’t know if it’s going to be okay for everyone to pay that.
“I’m not going to say Paris, Liverpool or Real (Madrid). But it would be a good idea to play for big clubs. Everyone has ambitions and every day you want to go higher.
“So, it was Leganes, today I’m a Leipzig player. I’m not going to hide my desires or my dreams. I want to play for a big club, of course.”
He added: “It depends, huh. Football is my life, and my life is about taking risks. We’re alive, but we never know what might happen.
“I am African, I am a believer. I believe in God, I work. Whatever the club, I am ready to fight every day to win my place, to give my best. That’s what I’ve always done. That’s what I know how to do, me.”
Diomande will feature for Ivory Coast at this summer’s World Cup, a tournament that could further increase interest in the Leipzig winger during the transfer window.
A strong showing on the international stage could intensify competition for his signature, with several top clubs already monitoring his situation, including Paris Saint-Germain.
There is also growing discussion around the possibility of him signing a new contract at Leipzig before potentially leaving the club next year.