Lewis Steele: Liverpool to ‘push hard’ to wrap up deal for forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Ready to Push for Yan Diomande as Transfer Race Intensifies

Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to dominate discussions ahead of the new season, and on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Lewis Steele offered a revealing assessment of where things stand regarding RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.

Speaking with Dave Davis, Steele repeatedly highlighted Diomande as Liverpool’s leading attacking target, while acknowledging that a combination of World Cup performances and growing competition could make any deal increasingly expensive.

Diomande Remains Liverpool’s Priority

While much of the summer conversation has centred around Liverpool’s need to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, Steele left little doubt about the club’s admiration for Diomande.

Early in the discussion, he noted that Diomande is “the top target” and pointed to the Ivory Coast international’s impressive World Cup displays as another reminder of why Liverpool are so keen. As transfer activity across Europe remains relatively slow, Steele suggested Liverpool have already done significant groundwork behind the scenes.

Later in the podcast, he reinforced that view, saying: “I think they’re going to push hard. And I think they’re going to push very hard for him.”

That assessment carries weight given Liverpool’s need to replace experience and quality in their attacking ranks following a summer of significant change.

World Cup Form Strengthens Leipzig’s Position

One of the recurring themes throughout the discussion was the impact of the World Cup on player valuations.

Steele highlighted how strong performances can quickly inflate transfer fees and pointed directly to Diomande as an example.

Reflecting on Ivory Coast’s victory over Ecuador, he said: “He was absolutely sensational.”

Photo: IMAGO

The statistics discussed by Davis backed up that verdict, with Diomande recording the most touches, most chances created, most duels won, most progressive carries and most passes into the attacking third during the match.

Steele was particularly impressed by the winger’s overall influence.

“He was at the heart of nearly all of those big chances,” he said.

While Diomande’s raw goal and assist numbers may not immediately jump off the page, Steele argued that watching him play tells a different story.

“You watch games like that and you think, well, maybe that’s the reason why because his teammates can’t finish the dinner.”

Liverpool Have Been Tracking Him for Months

Perhaps the most encouraging detail for Liverpool supporters was Steele’s suggestion that this is not a sudden reaction to a strong tournament.

According to him, Liverpool’s interest stretches back well before the World Cup.

“We’re talking as far back as before Christmas that this guy’s name was being thrown about.”

That long-term scouting process could prove important as rivals continue to monitor the situation.

Steele acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain’s interest but believes Liverpool remain in a stronger position.

“We’ve said on here before that PSG are also keen, but I do think Liverpool are more advanced on it than they are.”

Cost Could Become the Biggest Obstacle

The challenge, of course, is price.

Davis pointed out that previous reports suggested a valuation of around €100 million, but questioned whether Diomande’s World Cup displays could push that figure even higher.

Steele admitted RB Leipzig have every reason to demand a premium.

“Leipzig are every right to ask for a lot of money for him.”

Despite that reality, he still views the player as an ideal fit.

“He looks the part. He’s the right age profile. He can play off both sides. I think he’d be a brilliant, brilliant signing.”

For now, Liverpool’s interest appears genuine, long-standing and significant. Whether they can move quickly enough to beat their rivals and satisfy Leipzig’s demands could become one of the defining transfer stories of the summer.