In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through Anfield, RB Leipzig have delivered a massive blow to Liverpool’s summer transfer ambitions by firmly declaring that their teenage sensation Yan Diomande is not for sale—even if eye-watering bids roll in. This resolute stance from the Bundesliga giants comes at a precarious time for the Reds, as the likelihood of Mohamed Salah departing for the Saudi Pro League skyrockets, potentially leaving a gaping hole in their attack.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Diomande has been one of the most talked-about sagas in recent months. The 19-year-old forward has lit up European football with his electrifying performances, boasting 10 goals and seven assists in just 26 appearances across all competitions this season. His dazzling wide play, combined with raw pace and clinical finishing, has made him a prime target for top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. Sources close to the matter revealed that the Reds were leading the Premier League pack in the race for his signature as early as February, positioning themselves as frontrunners to secure the prodigy.
However, Leipzig’s supervisory board chairman, Oliver Mintzlaff, has now poured cold water on any potential deal. According to reports from German outlet 90PLUS, Mintzlaff emphatically stated, “He’ll still be here next season – even if an offer of 80 or 90 million euros comes in.” This declaration is a huge message to Liverpool and other suitors: Diomande is off the market, at least for now. The news couldn’t come at a worse juncture for the Anfield outfit, who are grappling with a disappointing domestic campaign and uncertainty over their managerial future. With Arne Slot’s position potentially under review, the club’s transfer strategy hangs in the balance.
The potential unavailability of Diomande amplifies concerns over Liverpool’s attacking depth, especially amid growing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future. TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that the Saudi Pro League is ramping up its efforts to lure the Egyptian superstar to the Middle East. Salah, now 33, is entering the final year of his record-breaking £400,000-a-week contract, signed in April of last year. His form has dipped alarmingly this season, marked by a 10-game goal drought in the Premier League—the longest of his illustrious career.
Last month, reports indicated that Salah was ‘deep in discussions’ over a summer move to Saudi Arabia, where he could assume an ambassadorial role and even acquire a stake in a prominent Pro League club. Now, those prospects are gaining serious momentum. In a further revelation, sources disclose that any transfer fee Liverpool might receive would be a mere fraction of the £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in 2023. The Pro League is prepared to offer around £36.9 million—the exact amount Liverpool paid Roma for Salah back in 2017—representing a staggering £113 million shortfall from that previous mega-offer.
This development could force Liverpool’s owners, FSG, to rethink their summer plans entirely. Losing Salah without a ready replacement like Diomande would be a devastating blow, particularly if the club aims to rebuild and challenge for major honors next season. The Reds’ attacking options are already stretched, and the absence of a marquee signing could hinder their progress under Slot or a potential new manager.
Adding another layer to Liverpool’s transfer intrigue is their confirmed interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old England international has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout attacking midfielders, with 10 goals and seven assists this term. TEAMtalk first reported multi-club interest in Rogers last week, and now respected journalist David Lynch has corroborated the Reds’ admiration for the versatile star, who can operate across the front line or in deeper roles.
Lynch noted on Anfield Index: “The Morgan Rogers one is always interesting to me because he definitely is someone who they’ve watched and have liked down the years.” However, he tempered expectations, pointing out Liverpool’s existing options like Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai in similar positions. Sources also indicate that a move for Rogers—valued at over £100 million—is highly unlikely, as the Reds prioritize an out-and-out winger. Complicating matters further, Paris Saint-Germain have been scouting Rogers intensively, impressed by his Champions League displays last season.
As Liverpool navigate this turbulent period, the message from Leipzig regarding Diomande is clear and uncompromising: hands off. Coupled with the soaring chances of Salah’s Saudi switch, Anfield faces a summer of reckoning. Will FSG splash the cash elsewhere to mitigate these setbacks, or will the Reds enter next season undermanned? Only time will tell, but the bombshell has well and truly dropped.