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Liverpool won’t be able to use Cody Gakpo in a “swap deal” for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to journalist Christian Falk.
Writing in his column for his personal website, CF Bayern Insider, Falk said that Leipzig are “not interested” in Gakpo as he isn’t the type of player they are looking for:
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“The rumours of a swap deal hold no truth. I heard there was no offer from Liverpool, and also, Leipzig wouldn’t make this swap deal because Gakpo is too expensive. Not to mention that they have a completely different profile in mind; they’re searching for younger players who can develop at the club. So, they’re not interested in Cody Gakpo.”
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Do Liverpool still retain an interest in Diomande?
Other reporters in Germany, including the likes of Sky‘s Florian Plettenberg, claim that the Ivorian international remains the Reds’ top target ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, Leipzig’s €100m (£87m) asking price is an issue, and a part-exchange offer (including a player like Gakpo) would have greatly reduced the cost of recruiting Diomande.
The only other scenario where Arne Slot’s side could potentially get the 19-year-old for a lower fee is if Leipzig fail to qualify for the Champions League. The German club are currently sitting in the final Champions League spot, but they are only above Hoffenheim on goal difference.
Are other wingers being targeted?
Diomande is the main priority for a good reason. Michael Olise is deemed the perfect option, but the chances of Bayern Munich selling him are next to zero.
It is the same situation with Bradley Barcola at Paris Saint-Germain, while (another target) Francisco Conceicao has stated that he is happy to stay at Juventus this summer.
There is historical interest in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, but there are no plans to pursue England international as things stand.
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