Liverpool are closing in on one of the most significant summer signings in their recent history, with a high-stakes move for RB Leipzig’s explosive young winger Yan Diomande emerging as a potential game-changer. At the same time, the Reds are eyeing a straightforward defensive reinforcement in Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, while they must move quickly to fend off Bayern Munich’s aggressive pursuit of another target.
Third Biggest Liverpool Signing Ever?
The Reds’ search for a direct, long-term successor to Mohamed Salah has led them straight to the Bundesliga, where RB Leipzig’s ultra-impressive Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande has caught the eye. The latest reports from Germany indicate that a deal is very much on the cards, despite the eye-watering price tag.
Liverpool already shattered the £100m barrier twice last summer, bringing in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz as their record and second-most expensive signings respectively. Should they secure Diomande, the 19-year-old winger is expected to become the club’s third-most expensive acquisition ever — surpassing Hugo Ekitike (who cost €95m with add-ons included, around £82.5m) and pushing the Frenchman down to fourth on the list.
Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze reported on X that Leipzig are finding it “extremely difficult” to keep hold of their starlet, even with a mammoth €100m (£87m) asking price they are determined to stick to. “RB Leipzig want to convince Yan Diomande to stay for another season, but the Bundesliga club is still preparing for big offers,” Hinze wrote. “Leipzig remain firm: the price tag stays at €100m or more. Contract until 2030. They want to keep Diomande, but know it will be extremely difficult. The high price tag could deter one or two interested clubs.”
Despite the sky-high valuation, sources have told TEAMtalk that Liverpool are ready to push the button on the transfer. The Ivory Coast winger’s dazzling performances have marked him out as a dynamic, direct replacement capable of slotting into Arne Slot’s attacking setup and easing the pressure on Salah in the long term.
Surprise Dutch Signing Easy to Make
While the attack takes centre stage, Liverpool could also strengthen their squad with a low-risk, high-reward move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries. Reports from Italy suggest the Reds would face “no trouble” convincing the 29-year-old to swap the San Siro for Anfield — a sizeable financial package would make the switch “easy” to finalise.
Even better for Liverpool, Dumfries is available for a bargain €25m (£22m) thanks to a release clause that runs until mid-July. At 29, he sits outside the usual young, high-potential profile favoured in the FSG era, yet his experience and quality could provide immediate stability.
The move would also allow Liverpool to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai — arguably their player of the season — in more advanced, central roles rather than as a makeshift right-back. That necessity has arisen largely due to recurring injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, with Joe Gomez also missing time at full-back. Adding Dumfries would give the squad much-needed depth, though it would result in three senior right-backs on the books once Frimpong and Bradley return to fitness.
Bayern Threaten £60m Deal
Liverpool’s defensive plans could face a major hurdle, however. Bayern Munich are favourites to land Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix — a player the Reds have long admired — and the Bavarians’ interest is intensifying.
Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive at Anfield in the summer, but another centre-half may still be required, particularly if Ibrahima Konate departs when his contract expires. Liverpool’s insider Fraser Fletcher has confirmed genuine interest in the France international Lacroix, whose impressive form under Oliver Glasner has driven his valuation up to around £60m.
The Reds explored a move for Lacroix during his Wolfsburg days but held back when he joined Palace two summers ago. Now, while Liverpool remain in the picture despite the elevated price, Bayern are pushing hardest. If the Reds want to rescue the £60m deal, they may need to act decisively.
With multiple high-profile targets in their sights — from a potential €100m statement signing in Diomande to a bargain defensive option in Dumfries and a battle for Lacroix — this summer promises to be one of the most active in Liverpool’s recent history. The window is shaping up to deliver both immediate impact and long-term vision under Arne Slot.