Liverpool have held discussions with RB Leipzig regarding a potential transfer for Yan Diomande, according to Sport Bild. The CIES Football Observatory estimates Diomande's present value between €88m (£76m) and €102m (£88m). It remains unclear whether Liverpool have made a formal bid or only exploratory contact for the 21-year-old. The forward has attracted interest from several top European clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Diomande has scored 13 goals across all competitions this season, including 12 in the Bundesliga, according to multiple reports. However, there is a discrepancy in his goal tally, with some sources reporting nine goals and seven assists in all competitions. The difference may be due to different points in the season or inclusion of different competitions. Diomande previously declined an offer to join Chelsea, according to the player himself. In an interview with Daily Mirror - Football, Diomande described turning down Chelsea as a gamble that paid off, saying he chose Leganes instead because he needed game time to progress. He also described Liverpool as his father's favourite club but said his dream club at present is Leipzig.
I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us. No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.
Liverpool have been active in the transfer market, signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal potentially rising to £116m with add-ons, according to major media reports. They also signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a transfer that could climb to £79m. Meanwhile, Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson next season as they will depart when the current campaign ends, according to major media reports. The club will need to find replacements for both key players in the summer transfer window. The departures of Salah and Robertson could free up significant wage budget and squad space for new arrivals.
RB Leipzig are keen to offer Diomande fresh terms, but discussions over an extension have been put on hold until the summer, according to Sport Bild. Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff said in a press conference: "I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us. No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive." Mintzlaff also acknowledged interest from other clubs, saying: "Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain." Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has addressed speculation about Michael Olise's future, stating confidence in their discussions. Eberl said: "We have our bubble, we have confidence in our discussions, and we're letting everything that's happening around us bounce off us to some extent. First of all, it's great that so many people want to talk about Michael Olise. That says, first of all, that we lured a..." The exact asking price RB Leipzig would accept for Diomande remains unknown, as does whether he will sign a contract extension before the summer. Other clubs besides Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly pursuing the forward.
Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain.
We have our bubble, we have confidence in our discussions, and we're letting everything that's happening around us bounce off us to some extent. First of all, it's great that so many people want to talk about Michael Olise. That says, first of all, that we lured a