David Ornstein confirms Liverpool’s interest in 11-goal Mo Salah replacement | OneFootball

Liverpool eyeing Yan Diomande as summer plans take shape

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is beginning to come into sharper focus, and one name that continues to surface is Yan Diomande. With Mohamed Salah set to depart Anfield at the end of the season, attention has naturally shifted towards identifying the next attacking talisman. According to David Ornstein, the Merseyside club have been monitoring the situation closely, even if any deal remains far from straightforward.

Diomande profile fits Liverpool approach

At just 19, Yan Diomande has wasted little time making his mark at RB Leipzig. In his first campaign in a top five European league, he has delivered 11 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances, numbers that underline both productivity and promise. Comfortable operating on either flank, Diomande combines direct running with sharp decision making in the final third.

This is precisely the type of forward Liverpool have targeted in recent years, players capable of stretching defences while contributing consistently in front of goal. Under Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024-25, the emphasis remains on dynamic, versatile attackers. Diomande appears to tick each of those boxes, though he is not alone in attracting elite attention.

Photo: IMAGO

David Ornstein reveals transfer stance

Speaking on the Athletic FC podcast, David Ornstein offered insight into Liverpool’s current thinking. He pointed to their previous interest in another wide forward as evidence of intent.

“They gave us a hint as to what they want to do [in the summer] because they were in the market for Antoine Semenyo,” Ornstein explained.

He also confirmed that Diomande has been on Liverpool’s radar for a considerable period, though financial realities have complicated matters.

“When you look around who they might be, they like Yan Diomande at RB Leipzig. That’s a player that they have been keen on for some time. When I’ve looked into previously, the finances have been out of reach, or deemed out of reach, and they are not the only club in that regard.”

“From the way it was described to me, the process really ramps up now, which insinuates it wasn’t already advanced. But I think Liverpool will have made their checks for some time.”

Transfer fee hurdle remains key issue

If admiration is one thing, execution is another. Leipzig are well aware of the asset they possess and are expected to demand a fee close to €100m. Having only recently signed the Ivorian from Leganes for €20m, they are under no pressure to sell and hold a strong negotiating position.

For Liverpool, the question is whether they are prepared to stretch their valuation. The club has shown discipline in the market before, even when faced with high profile departures. Yet replacing Salah is not a routine task, it is a structural decision that will shape the next phase of Slot’s project.

Interest from Bayern Munich and other Champions League regulars further complicates the picture, increasing both competition and price. Liverpool may have done their groundwork, but turning that into a deal will require alignment on finances as much as footballing vision.

In short, Yan Diomande represents opportunity and risk in equal measure, a high ceiling talent with a price tag to match. Liverpool’s next move will reveal just how far they are willing to go.