Liverpool are in the market for a new winger following confirmation that Mohamed Salah will leave at the end of the 2025/26 season despite signing his two-year extension in April 2025.
Finding a player capable of stepping into the Egyptian’s shoes is no easy task, but sporting director Richard Hughes has reportedly been searching for a successor on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.
Yan Diomande has emerged as a top target. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a sensational debut season at RB Leipzig after arriving from Leganes, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
His electric form has drawn interest from top clubs including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United. The Ivory Coast international is capable of playing on either wing, and Liverpool are ready to battle for his signature at the end of the season.
Leipzig are reportedly asking around €100million, reflecting their aim for a significant profit. Diomande is under contract until 2030.
The Bundesliga side have a productive history with Liverpool, as the two clubs have previously completed smooth transfers of players like Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, and Naby Keita.
This relationship is strengthened by the presence of former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp in a senior role within the Red Bull network, where he continues to exert influence.
Diomande is said to be drawn by the chance to test himself in the Premier League. The youngster has admitted that Liverpool is his father’s favourite club, further fuelling speculation over a potential move to Anfield.
He told BILD earlier this month: “It was always his great wish to see me there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield.”
According to Philipp Hinze of Sky Germany, RB Leipzig are planning a contract adjustment for Yan Diomande, including a performance-based salary increase to reward his outstanding development.
Diomande is set to receive a significant financial boost in recognition of his outstanding development, though the contract would remain without a release clause. Since Marcel Schäfer became sporting director, RB Leipzig have largely avoided fixed exit options and implemented a new salary structure.
Under the new system, no new signing earns more than €5million in base salary, with performance-related bonuses added on top. Successful seasons are rewarded, emphasising results over guaranteed high wages. The days of base salaries in the tens of millions are, for now, a thing of the past.
While Leipzig work on renegotiating Diomande’s contract, several top European clubs are already positioning themselves. RB Leipzig currently hold the upper hand, but financial considerations could change the situation, as the club would be hard-pressed to reject offers around €100million.
Internally, it is considered likely that if Diomande stays, it will only be for one more season, with a move to a top European club expected no later than 2027.
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