RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has broken his silence on intense transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Liverpool, admitting the interest has given him significant motivation as the Merseyside club ramps up preparations for a major squad rebuild.
With Mohamed Salah’s glittering Liverpool career seemingly entering its final chapter — the Egyptian forward has a maximum of 180 minutes remaining on his current deal — the Reds are hunting for a world-class replacement on the right flank. While ambitious names such as Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise have been floated, sources indicate they may prove financially or logistically out of reach. This has elevated the electric 19-year-old Ivorian, Diomande, to Liverpool’s number one target.
Liverpool are understood to be preparing an initial bid for the teenager, with club officials reportedly in “daily contact” with his representatives since December. According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, official talks with Diomande’s agents have already been opened.
Diomande’s Carefully Worded Response
In an interview with Bulinews, Diomande addressed the prospect of a big-money move without directly naming Liverpool, instead referencing Chelsea when discussing potential suitors.
“Of course, if you imagine someone saying you have to go to Chelsea or Real Madrid to do this job, you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more,” he said.
“But I don’t think about this kind of thing because I’m trying to be focused on the pitch. Because my job is playing football, I leave everything else outside the pitch. It gives me a lot of motivation to see clubs speak about me.”
The teenager, who still has a contract at Leipzig until 2030, emphasised his professionalism and gratitude to the German club, who took a significant gamble by signing him for €20 million when he was relatively unknown.
“I will never forget this opportunity. It’s not only about playing football. The club has helped me a lot off the pitch… with my family and my mom. I’m very grateful, and the only thing I can do to say thanks is to give everything on the pitch.”
Ambitious Targets and African Pride
Diomande has enjoyed a breakout campaign, featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping secure Champions League qualification, and earning a place at the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He has set lofty personal goals, aiming to establish himself among the continent’s elite.
“I have the ambition and vision. I want to become one of the best players in Africa and in Europe,” he declared.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. A move to Anfield would represent a major statement of intent from Liverpool, with the fee potentially reaching Leipzig’s €100 million (£86.6m/$117m) valuation — which would make Diomande the third-most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Notably, this latest update comes months after Diomande publicly expressed his desire to join Liverpool as his “next club,” adding further intrigue to the pursuit.
Liverpool are hoping to strike an agreement with the player’s representatives before the 2026 World Cup begins this summer, meaning a deal could be wrapped up within the next 28 days.
Broader Rebuild Context
The potential arrival of Diomande forms part of a wider strategic overhaul at Anfield under Arne Slot and FSG. Beyond the right-wing position, Liverpool continue to monitor opportunities elsewhere, with fresh hope also emerging over a potential deal for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon after uncertainties surrounding a move to Bayern Munich.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes remain on whether Liverpool can convince Leipzig to part with one of European football’s brightest young talents and whether Diomande is ready to take the next step in what has already been a meteoric rise.