Liverpool are currently favourites to win the race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ podcast, Romano said that the Reds’ rivals PSG would need to sell at least one player to make a bid for the Ivorian international:
“Liverpool are really pushing. Liverpool are really insisting to make it happen. So for Liverpool it’s a top priority. They are offering important money to the player to get it done. On the other side, Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, but [it] depends on what happens with Barcola, with Goncalo Ramos, with Kang-in Lee. There are players who have to leave Paris Saint-Germain while, at the same time, Liverpool already made some space with Mo Salah leaving and more players.”
Most Read on Walk On
“So, at the moment, the understanding is that Liverpool are really pushing. Paris Saint-Germain are still there in the background. So let’s wait and see. But for sure it’s going to be eventually a very expensive transfer because Leipzig want to keep the player one more season. Leipzig still hope to offer him a new contract, better salary, release clause, [and] leave in one year, so let’s see what happens.”
Who does Diomande want to join?
The 19-year-old has previously revealed that he was a Liverpool fan growing up, but he has also expressed affection for Paris Saint-Germain, which is a team he followed because of his father.
It doesn’t look like Diomande would strongly favour a move to one team over another, and a lot will hinge on who can agree personal terms with the player first, and who can reach a deal with his club.
Leipzig are making things difficult for Liverpool
The news that Diomande’s asking price has now gone up to €130m (£112m) has raised serious doubts over whether the Merseyside club can afford the transfer.
There is no doubt that Leipzig have placed such a high valuation on the teenager to scare off suitors, and they seem serious about tying him down to a new contract with a release clause that can be triggered next year.
It is something they have done before with Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian signed a new deal with the Bundesliga side in the summer of 2024 when Arsenal were circling before he left for Manchester United twelve months later.
Want more news on Liverpool? Add Walk On as a preferred source on Google