Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has moved decisively to strengthen the right wing ahead of next season, with the club tabling a structured £61 million offer for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who has emerged as their primary target to replace Mohamed Salah.
Diomande has enjoyed a stellar campaign, registering 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig. The Ivorian winger has also established himself as the second-most effective dribbler in Europe’s top five leagues, trailing only Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. His explosive pace, technical quality, and goal threat have earned him the nickname “dynamite” among scouts, making him a dream long-term successor to Salah following the Egyptian’s final game at Anfield on Sunday.
Leipzig, however, are determined to retain their key asset for at least one more season and have placed a hefty €100 million (£86 million) valuation on the player. Undeterred, Hughes has devised a creative plan to bring the fee down significantly without breaking the bank.
According to trusted reports, Liverpool are exploring a cash-plus-player package centred around academy graduate Harvey Elliott. The Times’ Paul Joyce confirmed that the use of Elliott in a swap deal has been actively mooted as Liverpool look to chip away at Leipzig’s asking price.
Strategic Swap on the Table
Elliott is available to leave Anfield this summer following a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa. Liverpool had initially hoped to command £35-40 million for the versatile Englishman, but his valuation has now dropped to around £25 million.
A deal sending Elliott to Leipzig for £25 million could pave the way for Liverpool to secure Diomande for approximately £61 million. The move makes sense for all parties: Leipzig have held long-term interest in Elliott, who can also operate on the right wing, providing them with a ready-made temporary replacement for Diomande should the Ivorian depart.
Transfer Momentum Building
On Tuesday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks with Diomande’s representatives to explore a summer move.
Liverpool also hold Bradley Barcola as a strong backup option. Romano highlighted a potential domino effect involving PSG: if Diomande joins the French club, Barcola could become available, with Liverpool remaining keenly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain forward after missing out on him last summer.
Additionally, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is understood to feature on Liverpool’s shortlist, with the club considering a potential £75 million bid for the England international as they pursue multiple avenues to bolster their attacking options.
What This Means for Liverpool
The pursuit of Diomande reflects a clear strategic shift under Hughes. Rather than paying top dollar in a straight cash deal, Liverpool are leveraging squad assets and market dynamics to secure one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers at a more manageable cost. Success in landing Diomande would represent a major statement of intent as the club prepares for life after Salah.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to hinge on whether Leipzig are willing to do business at the proposed £61 million valuation and whether Elliott is open to the move to Germany.
Stay tuned as this high-stakes transfer saga continues to unfold.