Liverpool require a new head coach and new players this summer as the Anfield side set about replacing Mohamed Salah’s contributions following his exit
Signing Mohamed Salah’s replacement was never going to come cheap, but Liverpool could yet find a good deal for their new manager, after Arne Slot’s exit. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is among the candidates to arrive at Anfield after impressing in the Bundesliga.
The 19-year-old moved to Germany less than a year ago after Leipzig activated his £17million release clause to instigate a switch from Leganes. After bagging 12 goals in the league during his debut season, Diomande’s value has skyrocketed.
CIES Football Observatory value the Ivory Coast international at a monumental £111million, a figure the Reds had not paid until last summer. And they may not have to with Diomande said to have a release clause in the region of £86m.
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That remains more than four times the figure Leipzig paid last July, but hints there is value to be had even with a whole host of clubs chasing his signature. The Merseyside club will have stiff competition to provide their new boss with a promising player if a transfer is completed.
French media outlet Foot Mercato claims that Diomande has agreed to join PSG, with several meetings having already taken place with the German side over a move. But the forward is also reported to be ‘tempted’ by the prospect of joining Liverpool.
Asked about his future ahead of the World Cup, Diomande said: “I am not going to say something crazy.”
“I want to be one of the best on the field,” he continued. But I want to go slowly, step by step to reach what I want to do.”
That could be good news if Leipzig do not want to sell and nobody reaches his release clause. Diomande is very grateful for the platform the German side have already offered.
“Nobody knew me before,” he said. “To put up €20 million, it is a lot to buy a talent nobody knows. That was a big risk for them.
“I want to thank everyone at the club who gave me this amazing opportunity to be here. The only thing I can do for them to say thanks is give everything on the pitch and this is what I am trying to do every day.”
Liverpool may have an advantage in any negotiation with Leipzig after the Bundesliga side were interested in Harvey Elliott last summer. The former Fulham ace could form part of a player-plus-cash deal.
The Reds have also been linked with a move for Bradley Barcola. The French forward will likely only be sold should Diomande make the move to Paris.