Yan Diomande, who was a transfer target for Liverpool in the summer, has been turning heads at Real Madrid with his outstanding form since joining from RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande
Ex-Liverpool target Yan Diomande(Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Liverpool have been left to rue their failure to sign Yan Diomande following their defeat to Arsenal, with Jude Bellingham impressed by his start to life at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz struggle to deliver at Anfield.
The Reds were among the leading contenders to secure Diomande's signature during the summer transfer window but were unwilling to meet RB Leipzig's €130million (£111m) asking price. Liverpool submitted an £85m offer for the winger, which was rejected by the German club.
Rather than returning with an improved proposal, they decided against pursuing a deal further. Diomande, who is believed to have held talks with Andoni Iraola before making his decision, ultimately opted to join Madrid instead.
Make sure you never miss the latest Liverpool FC news and opinion by makingLiverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
The Spanish giants also saw an initial £85.4m bid turned down before eventually reaching an agreement worth up to €140m (£120m). Madrid agreed to pay €125m (£107m) upfront, with a further €15m (£12.8m) in performance-related add-ons, while Diomande signed a seven-year contract.
Interestingly, signing a winger had not initially been among Madrid's priorities. The club had been expected to bring Nico Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu by activating their buy-back option following his impressive spell at Como, having left the Spanish capital in 2024.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
However, Paz remained in Italy, and Madrid instead strengthened their attacking options with the arrival of Diomande. The decision has already paid dividends, with the youngster producing a string of eye-catching displays and earning praise from supporters and team-mates.
Bellingham was particularly impressed by Diomande's shooting ability and admitted he had been taken aback by the quality of the 19-year-old. "Incredible," the England international stated on the club's official website.
Bellingham and Diomande
Diomande has been in fine form for Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
"I didn’t know he could shoot like that, but he’s very good. He’s a special player, and we are very happy to have him in our squad."
Diomande was on the scoresheet again during Madrid's 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday, taking his tally to four goals and four assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. His impressive form will only add to Liverpool's frustration, particularly given the difficulties their own summer signings have experienced in front of goal.
Barcola, who arrived at Anfield after the Reds missed out on Diomande, has struggled to consistently produce the attacking contributions expected of him. Wirtz has also found it difficult to hit his stride, with the German midfielder yet to establish himself as the creative force Liverpool had hoped for.
READ MORE: Liverpool sent new verdict on Alexander Isak penalty decision after 'damning' VAR footage
The pair have managed just four goals between them so far this season, leaving Andoni Iraola searching for answers as his side struggle to find a cutting edge in the final third.
The pair's struggles were evident during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, with the pair failing to register a single shot on target between them.
Wirtz managed three attempts without testing David Raya and failed to create a chance before being substituted, while Barcola recorded just one shot and created one opportunity despite playing the full 90 minutes.
With Diomande already flourishing in Spain, Liverpool may be wondering how differently things could have turned out had they pushed harder to secure his signature during the summer.
Get YOUR Liverpool FC Newsletter