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RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool as the Reds look to bounce back from a disappointing season under Arne Slot
Yan Diomande looks on
Yan Diomande is a transfer target for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
The latest on Liverpool's move for Yan Diomande...
Liverpool are reportedly "pushing hard" to secure a deal for Diomande, according to Sky Sports. The Reds are said to be eager to beat competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City and finalise the transfer before the World Cup kicks off.
RB are trying to keep the 19-year-old attacking talent and wants to extend his contract, which runs until 2030.
Diomande has addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future, expressing doubt that any club will meet RB Leipzig's massive £130m asking price. The winger admitted that while he is aware of the significant interest from major European teams, he is unsure if such a valuation is realistic in the current market.
The Ivory Coast international acknowledged his desire to eventually compete for one of the world's elite football institutions. He noted that while he is currently committed to his development at RB, he maintains high ambitions to reach the highest level of the sport.
Liverpool have identified Diomande as a primary target to revitalise an attacking lineup that has occasionally struggled with consistency this season. The Reds are specifically looking for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, who appears to be approaching the end of his tenure at Anfield.
To facilitate the record-breaking deal, reports suggest Liverpool might include midfielder Harvey Elliott as a makeweight to lower the total cash expenditure. This strategic move comes as the club looks to navigate a busy transfer window under the management of Arne Slot.
Despite the intense pursuit from the Premier League, RB remain focused on retaining their prized talent for at least one more season. The German club is reportedly attempting to secure Diomande to a new contract that would include a substantial release clause for future windows.
Slot acknowledged that the Reds are entering a critical transition period following the confirmed departures of long-serving legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. He emphasised that replacing their specific influence and quality will be the primary objective of the upcoming summer window.
The manager clarified that the club’s first priority is deciding how to address the void left by Salah on the right wing. He noted that the recruitment team must determine whether to sign a direct stylistic replacement or adapt the team's tactical approach with a different profile of player.
Despite the high-profile exits, which are now set to include Ibrahima Konate, Slot insisted that the club will not abandon its established transfer model of targeting younger talent with long-term potential. He explained that one disappointing season is not enough reason to scrap a recruitment strategy that has historically brought the club great success.