Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been defined as much by the deals that got away as the ones they have completed, and the latest development in one of Europe’s biggest sagas suggests another familiar rival is about to make life considerably more difficult at Anfield.
The Reds have already been busy.
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Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna for £35 million after Liverpool triggered his release clause to hijack Newcastle United’s move, while defender Jeremy Jacquet completed his switch from Rennes.
But the primary objective all summer, replacing Mohamed Salah’s output in wide areas following his departure after nine seasons, has proven far more complicated.
Liverpool identified Bundesliga winger Yan Diomande as their number one target early in the window and moved quickly, submitting an opening bid worth £86.3 million, structured as £69 million up front plus £17.3 million in add ons.
RB Leipzig rejected it outright, holding firm on a valuation reported to be as high as £128 million, and it was reported that the Reds had internally resolved not to let the pursuit drag on the way the Alexander Isak saga did a year earlier.
Liverpool supporters have seen this pattern before, particularly when Real Madrid enter the conversation.
In 2022, the Reds were heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni, only for the France midfielder to choose the Bernabeu.
Last summer they lost Trent Alexander-Arnold, an academy product and one of the defining players of the Klopp era, to Madrid.
Go back further and Xabi Alonso’s 2009 departure to the Spanish capital remains one of the more painful exits in modern Liverpool history.
When Madrid decide they want someone, Liverpool have historically struggled to hold the line.
That history matters now, because the 19 year old Ivory Coast winger who has been Liverpool’s number one target throughout the window is at the centre of this current storm.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the shift in a post on Instagram, saying, Real Madrid are going all in for Yan Diomande.”
“The first official bid has been sent to RB Leipzig: 100 million euros, 90 guaranteed and 10 in add-ons, rejected by Leipzig.”
“They want more than 100 million euros.”
“Ideally, 120 million euros could be the magic number to convince Leipzig.”
“The negotiations will continue.”
“Paris Saint-Germain have an agreement with Diomande on personal terms, but no agreement with Leipzig.”
“The player is still considered very expensive.”
“And now Real Madrid are entering very strong into the deal.”
“Manchester City and Arsenal also made some calls over the recent weeks, but the player is not opening the doors.”
The numbers explain the frenzy.
Diomande scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, completing 118 successful dribbles, more than any other player in the division, while creating 56 chances and earning the league’s Rookie of the Season award.
At the World Cup he was outstanding for Ivory Coast, creating five chances against Ecuador and dribbling past Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie four times in a single match.
With PSG already holding a personal terms agreement and Madrid now bidding aggressively, Liverpool’s position looks increasingly precarious in a race they once led.
Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid
Yan DIomande