RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is seen as Liverpool’s “top target” to be Mohamed Salah’s successor this summer, according to a big new update.
The Reds have the unenviable task of replacing Salah, following the 33-year-old’s announcement that he will leave Anfield after nine seasons.
While he isn’t the force he used to be, his overall presence at Liverpool cannot be downplayed, in terms of the standards he sets both on and off the pitch.
Diomande has been linked with a move to the Reds plenty of times in recent months, having emerged as one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe this season.
Taking to X on Monday, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg said that Diomande is now the leading choice to replace Salah at Liverpool at the end of the season:
“Yan Diomandeis now Liverpool’s top target to replace Mo Salah, with the move approved by all LFCdecision-makers. Concrete talks are ongoing with his new representatives at Roc Nation Sports, although no agreement has been reached yet and the clubs have not entered negotiations.
“RB Leipzig are keen to adjust his salary and extend his contract. PSG, led by Luis Campos, are also in the race and have already held a meeting with his agents.”
Yan Diomande a special talent, but patience required
Seeing Diomande chosen as Salah’s successor would be exciting, considering what a special talent he is, having bagged 18 goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season (12 goals and six assists) at the age of just 19.
The Ivorian has all the tools to become a star at Liverpool, but if he is ultimately brought in, it is important that fireworks on a weekly basis aren’t expected from the off.
Florian Wirtz has shown this season that it can take time for young players to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, and it could easily be the same with Diomande.
That does mean that a more experienced Salah replacement arguably makes more sense – Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is a dream choice for many, but it feels highly unlikely to happen – but Diomande has incredible long-term potential and is a fantastic option.