Lewis Steele: Liverpool expected to reach agreement for Yan Diomande | OneFootball

Liverpool Remain Patient in Yan Diomande Pursuit as Lewis Steele Shares Latest Update

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande remains one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, but patience continues to be the recurring theme. Speaking to Dave Davis on the latest edition of Media Matters for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele offered an encouraging update, while making it clear that negotiations with RB Leipzig are still ongoing rather than approaching an immediate conclusion.

Lewis Steele Explains Liverpool’s Position

Early in the discussion, Dave Davis referenced Steele’s previous reporting, highlighting that RB Leipzig continue to value Diomande at around €130 million, while Liverpool remain below that figure.

Steele explained the situation from the player’s perspective:

“I think Leipzig want to eek it out as long as possible because they know that the longer he’s in the World Cup, the higher his value goes.”

He also revealed that the player’s representatives are eager to conclude negotiations.

“His camp are itching a bit to get the move done. They want Liverpool, they want Leipzig to, you know, accept Liverpool’s proposals and move forward.”

That willingness appears to be one of the strongest indicators that Liverpool remain in an excellent position.

Steele continued:

“There’s a willingness from him and his camp to get the deal done sooner rather than later.”

RB Leipzig Holding Firm Over Valuation

While there is optimism surrounding Liverpool’s chances, Steele stressed that RB Leipzig are entitled to maximise their negotiating position.

“I think there is Leipzig holding out for €130 million. Liverpool want it closer to hundred million euros.”

He added:

“I just wonder whether they will just shake hands somewhere in the middle with a structure that is preferential to them.”

That feels like the central issue rather than whether the transfer itself will happen.

Dave Davis also pointed towards reports from Germany suggesting Leipzig are under pressure from Diomande’s representatives, before asking whether the player specifically wanted Liverpool.

Steele’s response was straightforward.

“Yeah, he does. I think from what I’ve heard anyway, he’s keen for the move.”

He then added another significant update.

“I think it will step up in the next week or two.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Still See Diomande as Priority

One interesting part of the conversation centred on alternative attacking targets. Numerous names have been linked with Liverpool throughout the summer, but Steele made it clear that none currently match the club’s interest in the RB Leipzig forward.

When asked whether other reported targets were genuine alternatives, Steele replied:

“Diomande is their number one.”

He went even further.

“I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t end up with Diomande signing for Liverpool.”

The only circumstances he could envisage preventing the move would be either the player changing his mind or Liverpool deciding they could not make the finances work.

Instead, Steele believes the club are committed to supporting new head coach Andoni Iraola.

“Everything that I hear is that they want to back the new manager and the new regime.”

Financial Reality Behind Liverpool’s Pursuit

The discussion also addressed the headline fee attached to Yan Diomande.

Steele argued that transfer inflation has fundamentally changed how elite players are valued.

“£100 million is pretty much what £60 million was two or three years ago.”

He believes Liverpool should view the deal as a long term investment rather than simply focusing on the headline figure.

“I think that £100 million is probably a good investment long term.”

Perhaps the clearest indication of Liverpool’s confidence arrived later in the podcast, when Steele discussed the club’s overall transfer plans.

He stated:

“Diomande is going to be 100 plus million.”

Combined with his repeated insistence that the player wants Anfield and that Leipzig privately accept a sale will eventually happen, the overall picture remains encouraging.

Negotiations may still require patience, but based on Steele’s latest information during his conversation with Dave Davis on Media Matters, Liverpool continue to look well placed in their pursuit of Yan Diomande, with RB Leipzig’s valuation remaining the final major hurdle rather than any lack of desire from either the player or the Merseyside club.