Liverpool continue to be strongly linked with a move for Yan Diomande ahead of next season, with reliable journalist Lewis Steele now making a key new claim.
The 19-year-old appears to be the Reds’ No.1 wide option this summer, as they look to prise him away from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
In recent days, former Tottenham midfielder Stefan Freund has told Diomande to remain at his current club, saying: “He should stay in Leipzig for another year. I f he maintains his excellent form next season, he can still move to a big club. Because the next move will bring pressure – much more pressure than he’s faced so far.
Now, speaking on his YouTube channel [via TEAMtalk]. Steele provided an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Diomande this summer, saying there is frustration about the speed of the transfer process:
“I think there’s a little bit of frustration on the player’s side from what I’ve heard that it’s maybe taking a little bit longer than some people may have anticipated. I’m talking about his camp.
“Maybe they thought it was going to go a bit quicker, but now they’re sort of resigned to the fact it might drag on after the World Cup, but they accept it. But also, you never know. Liverpool could just pull their finger out, and it’d be done in the next day or two.”
Liverpool to sign Yan Diomande…after the World Cup?
It is frustrating that the situation isn’t as fast-moving as many would like, not least for Diomande himself, but it looks as though some patience will be required.
The Ivory Coast international is impressing at the World Cup, and his focus needs to be on that, but sealing a deal is a big priority for Liverpool once his involvement in the tournament has finished.
While Leipzig aren’t budging currently, it does feel like Diomande will end up at either Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and it would be a major coup if the Reds strike a deal.
The Leipzig star isn’t yet a complete player, which is only natural at his age, but he is a frightening talent who is already impacting matches regularly.