RB Leipzig gives Yan Diomande a clear choice after turning down Liverpool’s offer
RB Leipzig is working hard to keep Yan Diomande as Liverpool shows strong interest in signing him. The Premier League transfer window has only been open for five days, but Liverpool has quickly made some moves under new boss Andoni Iraola.
In a surprising late deal on Wednesday, Liverpool signed Osasuna’s forward Víctor Muñoz, beating Newcastle United to the young winger. Liverpool paid €40 million (£34.5m) to activate his release clause. Muñoz has impressed with his ability to play on both wings and in the center.
Less than a day later, Liverpool made an initial offer of up to €100 million (£86m) for RB Leipzig’s winger Diomande. The 19-year-old, currently playing for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, has been Liverpool’s main target for a while. However, Leipzig rejected the bid and want closer to €130 million (£112.6m).
Now, Leipzig is ready to offer Diomande a better contract, but only if he agrees to stay until at least summer 2027. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained: “Leipzig really want to keep him. They’re offering a new contract with a higher salary and a release clause for summer 2027.” But Diomande is tempted by the chance to leave right after the World Cup, so it’s a 50/50 situation.
Romano adds that Liverpool plans to come back with another offer, showing how much they want Diomande. Other top clubs are also interested as he shines at the World Cup.
Diomande isn’t Liverpool’s only target on the wings. With Mohamed Salah gone, Iraola is looking for more attackers. One name to watch is Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, who Romano says fans shouldn’t forget. If Liverpool can’t get Diomande or Barcola, they are also considering players like Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
On defense, Liverpool is linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. They need a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who moved to Real Madrid. But signing Schlotterbeck might be tricky since he reportedly prefers to join Real Madrid as well.