Liverpool remain active in their attempt to sign RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande, reports state, with new head coach Andoni Iraola said to be the ‘driving force’ behind what would be a mega-money signing.
The Ivorian (19) scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists for Leipzig last season, helping the Bundesliga side to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification for the 2026-27 campaign.
His 23 goal contributions are impressive, but it’s his ball carrying and trickery in 1v1s that make him such an attractive prospect. Mohamed Salah will sadly not be at Anfield next season, and signing a replacement for the mercurial Egyptian is the biggest transfer priority for Liverpool this summer.
Diomande, while a very expensive target, is a worthy replacement and guarantees long-term value for the Reds. Leipzig’s asking price is steep, with reports varying on the exact number, which is in the range of £100m and £112m.
It’s unusual for Liverpool to spend so much on a relatively unproven player, but the biggest clubs in Europe are convinced he will be a superstar in the coming years.
Yan Diomande vs Ecuador
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— SIR AHMED (@midopido21) June 15, 2026
Latest Yan Diomande transfer news as Andoni Iraola takes leading role in Liverpool’s interest
According to a report from TEAMtalk journalist Fraser Fletcher, the new head coach of Liverpool is the ‘driving force’ behind the Merseysiders’ aggressive campaign to sign Diomande.
Fletcher reports: TEAMtalk first revealed that the Reds were in what was described as almost daily contact with the winger’s representatives as far back as December.
“Now, sources confirm that Liverpool have been in constructive dialogue with Leipzig regarding a summer move. The Reds view the pacy, technically gifted attacker as the perfect long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, capable of operating across the forward line with equal effectiveness.
“Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool boss earlier this summer, is understood to be a huge admirer of Diomande’s dynamic style and we can reveal he is not just very much in tune with Richard Hughes’ desire to sign him, but is actively pushing the club’s hierarchy to complete the deal.”
Liverpool lead PSG in Diomande transfer battle but Real Madrid have now entered the fray
Fletcher goes on to report that Leipzig are ‘in no rush’ to sell Diomande and have set a firm minimum valuation of €130m (£112m) which is a gargantuan ask for a player that has only one full season of football in Europe’s top five leagues.
I don’t think the masses realise just how high Yan Diomande’s ceiling actually is. Look at his body of work in his first full season playing against Europe’s elite at 19 years of age.
Top fundamentals, a 99th %ile dribbler and underrated in front of goal. pic.twitter.com/0TM5wnKj63
— CounterPressers (@CounterPressers) May 23, 2026
This is how highly they rate him, and given the interest from three of the biggest European clubs, they’re not alone in this lofty assessment of Diomande.
“Despite the high asking price, the attacker remains open to a move to Liverpool, and is said to be excited by the prospect of playing in a top side competing for major honours. The situation is complicated by strong interest from PSG, however,” Fletcher continued.
He added: “The interest is not limited to Liverpool and PSG though, sources have stated that Real Madrid could come calling and have been showing signs of interest in recent weeks.”