Liverpool are closing in on a major summer statement as highly-rated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has given the green light to join the Reds, according to multiple reports.
The Ivory Coast international has emerged as a prime target for Fenway Sports Group (FSG) as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah, who is set to depart Anfield this summer. TEAMtalk has consistently reported Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Diomande, with the club viewing the dynamic wide player as an ideal replacement for the Egyptian superstar.
Diomande open to Anfield move
Reliable French journalist Santi Aouna of FootMercato reported on Monday evening that Diomande has given his approval to join either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool. The player is said to be particularly tempted by the prospect of moving to Anfield, despite interest from other European giants including Bayern Munich.
“Yan Diomandé has given his green light to join PSG & Liverpool,” Aouna posted on X. Several meetings have already taken place between the clubs and the player’s representatives.
Liverpool are pushing hard to secure a deal before the 2026 World Cup finals get underway, hoping to wrap up negotiations swiftly. However, RB Leipzig remain extremely reluctant to sell their star asset and are in a strong negotiating position due to the length of Diomande’s contract. German outlet Bild previously claimed the Bundesliga side could demand as much as €150 million (£129.6m/$174.5m) for the winger.
Acheampong enquiry rejected by Alonso’s Chelsea
In a separate development, Liverpool have made an enquiry for Chelsea’s highly-regarded young defender Josh Acheampong, but the approach has been firmly rebuffed.
Sources indicate that Manchester City and Bayern Munich have also registered interest in the versatile defender, yet Chelsea have made it clear that Acheampong is not for sale. New Blues manager Xabi Alonso reportedly considers the player “untouchable” and is planning to build his defensive unit around him next season.
Wirtz staying put at Liverpool
Meanwhile, any hopes Chelsea may have had of luring Florian Wirtz back to work under Alonso have been firmly extinguished. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed there are no negotiations or talks regarding a move, describing the links as unfounded.
Liverpool have no intention of selling the Germany international, who remains a key part of their squad. The club believes the upcoming season could be Wirtz’s breakout year in red.
What happens next?
While Diomande’s willingness to join Liverpool marks a significant step forward, the major obstacle remains RB Leipzig’s valuation and reluctance to part ways with one of their most important players. Whether FSG are prepared to meet the Germans’ substantial asking price — or find a compromise that satisfies all parties — will be crucial in determining if the deal can be completed in time.
Liverpool fans will be watching developments closely as Arne Slot looks to reshape his attack ahead of what promises to be a pivotal campaign.