Liverpool have thrust themselves to the front of the queue in the race to sign highly-rated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to multiple reports. The 19-year-old Ivorian has emerged as a prime target for the Reds as they look to secure a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Diomande joined Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes in July 2025 and wasted little time making his mark. In his debut season, the versatile forward delivered an impressive 13 goals and nine assists across 36 appearances, showcasing his ability to operate effectively on either flank. His performances have drawn widespread acclaim, positioning him as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Liverpool Ahead of PSG
The Athletic reports that Liverpool are currently better placed than Paris Saint-Germain to secure the signature of the exciting winger. While both clubs have monitored Diomande closely, the Merseyside club appears to hold the advantage at this stage.
However, any potential deal would come at a significant cost. RB Leipzig are understood to be demanding a staggering £87 million to even consider parting ways with their starlet. With Diomande contracted to the Bundesliga side until June 2030, the German club is in a strong negotiating position and remains keen to retain him for at least one more season, especially after securing Champions League football.
Leipzig’s Reluctance and Diomande’s Potential
Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff has been vocal about the club’s desire to keep the youngster. “If I were sporting director, I wouldn’t sell this young player, who hasn’t even completed a full season with us yet,” Mintzlaff stated recently. “No matter what price is being offered. I believe he’s a player who still has room to develop, because he’s still very young. He certainly has the potential to become even more valuable.”
Despite Leipzig’s determination to hold onto him, Diomande has admitted that the transfer speculation has provided him with extra motivation.
“Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job… you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more,” the winger said earlier this month. “I don’t think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.”
In addition to his club exploits, Diomande also represented Ivory Coast during the Africa Cup of Nations, further enhancing his growing reputation on the international stage.
A Dual-Threat for Anfield?
For Liverpool, Diomande represents more than just attacking reinforcements — he is viewed as a dynamic, long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing, while his ability to cut in from the left makes him a genuine “dual-wing nightmare” for opposing defenses. His pace, technical quality, and eye for goal have already terrorized Bundesliga backlines, and many believe he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
Should Liverpool push ahead with formal negotiations, they will face a tough battle against Leipzig’s valuation and reluctance to sell. Meanwhile, PSG would reportedly need to sell before launching a serious bid and are already considering alternative targets.
At £87 million, the deal would represent a major statement of intent from Liverpool’s hierarchy. The question now is whether the Reds are willing to meet Leipzig’s asking price for a player who has only just completed his first season at a top European club.
How much should Liverpool pay for Yan Diomande? The debate is already heating up among fans. One thing is certain: the Ivorian sensation has the talent to become a Premier League star — the only question is whether Anfield will pay the premium to make it happen.