**Liverpool may constantly be linked with signing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, but a new twist may mean the move doesn’t end up materialising.**
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most talked-about wide options for the Reds ahead of next season, as they look to find the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is close to departing after nine iconic years at Anfield.
Endless reports have suggested that [Diomande is at the top of Liverpool’s summer wishlist](https://live4liverpool.com/liverpool-have-been-handed-boost-in-efforts-to-sign-yan-diomande/), given his reputation as one of Europe’s most talented and exciting young attacking players.
Despite this, reliable journalist Lewis Steele of _The Daily Mail_ has now told [_Anfield Index_](https://x.com/AnfieldEdition/status/2055031155498557858?s=20) that there are slight reservations at Anfield about spending around £85m on the Ivory Coast international, having not yet proved himself for a long period:
_“The word I have on Diomande is that Liverpool are just a bit unsure whether to trigger an £85 million-ish fee for a player who in the grand scheme of things, is relatively unproven. His numbers aren’t that good. They’re not like jump off the screen good.”_
**Liverpool must be certain that Yan Diomande is the best choice**
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It is good to see that Liverpool are weighing up the situation surrounding Diomande, rather than simply paying a vast sum of money on him this summer and ultimately regretting it further down the line.
The teenager is clearly a huge talent with the potential to become a future great of the game, but the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have to make sure they have total faith in him excelling in the Premier League.
Salah is going to be almost impossible to replace, but his successor must be the best option out there possible, given the legendary figure he will be coming in for.
Ultimately, Diomande still stands out as a fantastic addition for Liverpool, given his potential and immediate quality, but if another player comes into the mix as a cheaper signing with a similar ceiling, they shouldn’t hesitate to move for him instead.
Two wingers would be ideal for the Reds – one to succeed Salah and another to be an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, while Rio Ngumoha continues to mature as a player.