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The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed the gargantuan fee that RB Leipzig will demand for Yan Diomande this summer – and it won’t make for nice reading for Liverpool fans.
The transfer journalist has reported that the Reds have made contact with the German side over a transfer for Diomande.
And now it looks like the Anfield club could potentially have to break the transfer record once again to bring the Ivory Coast international to the club.
David Ornstein, for the Athletic, has reported that RB Leipzig are demanding in excess of €130million (£112.4m, $151.2m) for their star man:
“Leipzig have consistently stressed that the 19-year-old is not for sale and that it would take a bid in excess of €130million (£112.4m, $151.2m) to change that stance,” he reported.
“There may be a reluctance at Anfield to reach such numbers, given the £450m outlay last summer and other work required in this window.”
It is further noted that Paris Saint‑Germain and Manchester City are among a cluster of heavyweight admirers, with PSG’s hierarchy enjoying a strong relationship with Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff and keeping a close eye on developments.
However, while PSG and City remain keen, neither is thought to be as advanced as Liverpool at this stage, with the Anfield club able to offer a clear pathway and a ready-made slot on the right of the attack following Salah’s exit.
The pursuit of Diomande also has the potential to trigger a wider domino effect involving PSG and Bradley Barcola.
If Paris Saint-Germain decide to push ahead and win the race for Diomande, it could in theory open the door for Barcola to become more attainable for Liverpool, with the French club suddenly more open to listening to offers for one of their other young wide forwards.
On the flip side, if Liverpool succeed in bringing Diomande to Anfield, it is hard to imagine them stumping up another huge fee in the same window for Barcola, given the financial outlay.