Lewis Steele: £86m star is the ‘frontrunner’ to join Liverpool this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer News: Yan Diomande Emerges As Main Priority

On Anfield Index’s Media Matters, Dave Davis put the transfer question directly to Lewis Steele, and the answer around Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Yan Diomande was unusually clear for this stage of a summer window. Steele said “the situation does remain rather the same” as he had outlined previously, with “both Liverpool and PSG” liking the player.

Liverpool interest feels advanced

The strongest line from Steele was simple: “it does appear that Diomande is the the frontrunner for Liverpool”. That matters because it moves the conversation beyond casual scouting or list building. Steele added that Liverpool have “put in a lot of groundwork already on that one”, specifically “talking to reps”.

That does not mean a deal is done. Steele was careful to say “the next step is the club to club talks” and for Diomande “to make his mind up on what he wants to do”. In other words, Liverpool’s interest appears serious, structured and active, with RB Leipzig now central to what happens next.

RB Leipzig price creates a major decision

Dave Davis framed it as a possible “shootout between PSG and Liverpool”, and Steele did not dismiss that. He said PSG’s interest could depend on whether they would “probably have to sell Barcela”, which could then “open up the door for Liverpool to sign Bradley Barola”.

For Liverpool, though, the focus remains Diomande. Steele said he is “not going to be cheap”, naming “£86 million” as the figure, and calling it “a lot of money for a 19-year-old”. He also noted that Diomande has “really only had two two seasons at the top level”.

That is the calculation. Liverpool may see a player with huge upside, and RB Leipzig may see a chance to command elite money. Steele summed up the appeal by saying “everything about him looks good” and “everything about him looks like the sort of player that can grow and grow and grow”.

Photo: IMAGO

Yan Diomande profile fits Liverpool’s brief

Steele described Diomande as “a typical FSG signing”, while also stressing that “he’s not the finished article by any stretch”. That distinction is important. Liverpool appear to be looking at talent, profile and long term value, rather than a guaranteed finished product.

The need is obvious from the same podcast discussion. Steele said Arne Slot had made clear that “a winger is going to be the priority”, with Liverpool wanting a “different profile of a winger”. He explained that they want “someone who’s a bit more direct”, who “can run at defenders and go go on the outside and the inside”.

That description fits why Yan Diomande keeps returning to the top of the conversation.

Summer priority now looks clear

So, is Diomande Liverpool’s top target heading into the summer transfer window? Based strictly on Steele’s comments to Davis, he appears to be at the front of the queue. Steele said “Diamonde is the the front runner at the moment”, and later added, “I do think Diamonde and Barcola are the the main two at the moment”.

The warning is PSG. Steele said, “if PSG come to the table properly, then that’s that’s not a good thing for Liverpool”. His conclusion carried urgency: “they need to get this one done”.

For Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Yan Diomande, the next phase looks decisive. The groundwork has been done, the player is high on the list, the fee is substantial, and the competition is real.