Lewis Steele believes Liverpool are closing in on a major transfer breakthrough – “I think this will happen” | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer News: Lewis Steele Confident Yan Diomande Deal Will Happen

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande remains one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, and according to journalist Lewis Steele, there is growing confidence that a deal for the RB Leipzig winger will eventually be completed.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Steele offered a detailed update on the situation, explaining why he believes Liverpool remain firmly in the driving seat despite a significant gap between the clubs’ valuations.

Confidence Growing Around Diomande Move

Steele revealed that he has continued speaking to sources connected to both the player and RB Leipzig.

“I’ve been speaking to people from the Leipzig camp, from the Diamande camp and also from people in this country as well.”

His overall verdict was clear.

“As I said last week, I do, I really do, I do think this one will happen.”

That confidence appears to stem from what Steele believes is a growing acceptance within Leipzig that a sale may ultimately be unavoidable.

“I mean publicly they’re saying he’s not for sale but privately, I know privately, they’re sort of conceding the fact that they are going to have to sell him.”

While RB Leipzig continue to stand firm on their valuation, Steele suggested there may eventually be room for compromise.

“They’re standing firm on their 130 million euro (£112m) valuation of Diamande.”

“They might come down slightly, though.”

Player Camp Ready to Wait

One of the most revealing parts of the discussion centred on the player’s own position.

According to Steele, Diomande wants the move and there is some frustration that negotiations have not progressed faster.

“From the player side I think he definitely wants to move.”

Photo: IMAGO

“I think there’s a little bit of frustration on the player side from what I’ve heard that it’s maybe taken a little bit longer than some people may have anticipated.”

However, he stressed that those close to the player have accepted the possibility that discussions could continue beyond the World Cup.

“They’re sort of resigned to the fact it might drag on after the World Cup, but they accept it.”

Steele also pointed out that Liverpool have previously moved quickly when opportunities have presented themselves.

“Liverpool could just pull their finger out and it’d be done in the next day or two.”

Liverpool Undeterred by Rejected Bid

Liverpool’s opening offer reportedly fell well short of Leipzig’s asking price.

“The first offer, of course, was £78.1 million plus £8 million in add ons.”

Despite that rejection, Steele believes Liverpool’s determination remains unchanged.

“I do think Liverpool are undeterred by the fact that that first bid or maybe even second bid was rejected.”

“I think they’re going to go again.”

His belief is that Diomande has become Liverpool’s primary transfer objective under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

“I think they really want the player.”

“I think he’s the number one target this summer.”

“The number one priority was a pacey winger, pacey wide man.”

Steele also suggested Liverpool have already invested significant time and effort into pursuing the deal.

“Liverpool from all sides have done the most leg work on this one.”

Deal Still Viewed Positively

Although there remains a sizeable difference between Liverpool’s offer and RB Leipzig’s valuation, Steele repeatedly returned to the same conclusion.

“So, I do think it’ll happen.”

“I just said calm, calm, calm, calm, and it’ll all fall into place sooner rather than later.”

For Liverpool supporters tracking developments around Yan Diomande, that may be the most important takeaway from the discussion. Negotiations are ongoing, RB Leipzig remain firm publicly, and the financial gap is significant. Yet based on Steele’s conversations with sources connected to all sides, there remains a strong expectation that Liverpool’s pursuit of the highly rated winger will continue until a resolution is reached.