Journalist: Liverpool are frontrunners to sign talented forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Yan Diomande Pursuit as RB Leipzig Hold Firm

Liverpool’s pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande appears to be gathering momentum, even if the first major hurdle has already emerged.

Speaking on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, host Dave Davis was joined by journalist Lewis Steele to discuss Liverpool’s transfer plans, with much of the conversation centred around the club’s ambitious move for the highly rated 19 year old attacker. The discussion came after reports that Liverpool’s opening £86 million bid had been rejected by RB Leipzig.

Confidence Growing Around Liverpool Move

Steele made it clear that Liverpool’s interest in Diomande is neither recent nor speculative.

“I think I said on my video on Tuesday or Wednesday this week that Liverpool are probably the front runners and they’ve done a lot of work in the background for a number of months.”

That long term groundwork appears to have moved into a more serious phase, with Liverpool now making formal contact and testing Leipzig’s resolve.

According to Steele, the Reds have been working around a valuation of approximately €100 million.

“We’ve said for quite a while that £86 million is the sort of thing they’re looking to pay which is 100 million euros.”

However, he was equally clear that Leipzig were always likely to resist the first approach.

“I think Leipzig have got to whether it’s for optics or for anything else they’d be stupid not to barter it a bit.”

Why Liverpool Believe Diomande Is Worth It

Throughout the discussion, Steele repeatedly highlighted why Liverpool remain so determined to land the Ivory Coast international.

After impressing at the World Cup and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, Diomande’s profile fits Liverpool’s long term strategy.

“They know that he’s worth a lot of money and he’s only going to get better.”

Steele also pointed to the player’s age as a major factor behind Liverpool’s willingness to invest heavily.

“I think he’s worth the money, worth the investment because you know the age profile as well you could feasibly get well over a decade out of him.”

That belief extends beyond simple potential. Steele’s assessment was emphatic.

“From everything that I’ve seen, I think he’s worth the money.”

Photo: IMAGO

Driving Seat Despite Competition

Paris Saint Germain continue to be mentioned as a rival contender, while Dave Davis noted reports linking other elite clubs with the player.

Yet Steele remains convinced Liverpool are currently leading the race.

“I do ultimately believe that Liverpool wouldn’t be making bids if they didn’t have some sort of confidence that he was going to be their man.”

He added:

“The direction of travel is that he will end up at Liverpool.”

That confidence stems from months of scouting and recruitment work.

“The noise all for months and months now has been Liverpool are doing a lot of work on Diomande there. They like him a lot and I believe they are the front runners now.”

Davis also highlighted the significance of Liverpool’s formal offer.

“They’re not making bids without some encouragement.”

Salah Successor and Statement Signing

One of the strongest talking points during the podcast was Diomande’s status as Liverpool’s preferred replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Davis described him as “the Mo Salah replacement”, while Steele agreed with the broader assessment of his importance to Liverpool’s rebuild.

“If Liverpool could pull it off, it would be a coup.”

Steele went even further when discussing Diomande’s long term ceiling.

“I think he will end up being one of the best wingers in the world in the next three or four years.”

Perhaps the most revealing conclusion came when alternative targets were discussed. While names such as Minteh, El Mala and Matias Fernandez Pardo have been linked, Steele saw a clear distinction.

“The big marquee signing for me has to be a Diomande or a Bradley Barcola, but probably Diomande to be honest.”

For now, RB Leipzig remain resistant and Liverpool’s first offer has been knocked back. Yet the message from Lewis Steele on Anfield Index was consistent throughout, Liverpool have done the work, Liverpool are leading the race, and Liverpool remain confident that Yan Diomande will ultimately arrive at Anfield.