Anfield Index
·16 de fevereiro de 2026
“100%” – Journalist confirms Liverpool’s interest in €45m forward

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·16 de fevereiro de 2026

Liverpool’s evolving recruitment model has become a major talking point this season, and fresh comments about RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande highlight how the club’s approach is shifting under Arne Slot. The Reds remain under pressure after a challenging Premier League title defence that has left them sixth in the table, despite Slot delivering the league crown in his debut campaign. Yet with Champions League football ongoing and FA Cup ambitions alive, planning for the future continues behind the scenes.
Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, David Lynch provided insight into the reported interest. He said, “He’s 100% the kind of player that Liverpool are watching and he is definitely a player that they are keeping an eye on.” That statement reflects a growing trend at Anfield, where younger, high ceiling prospects are being monitored earlier than in previous cycles. Valued at €45m by Transfermarkt, a move would definitely be affordable for the Reds too.
Diomande’s profile appears to align with the club’s desire for flexible attacking options. Liverpool’s forward line has shown flashes of improvement in recent weeks, yet the need for long term depth remains clear as Slot shapes the squad to suit his tactical philosophy.
Lynch’s comments also reveal how Liverpool’s recruitment thinking has changed over time. He explained, “Four or five years ago he wouldn’t have been the profile that Liverpool would be looking at, but we’re seeing Liverpool move early for players.” That shift suggests the club is willing to invest sooner in emerging talent rather than waiting for players to reach peak market value.
This approach carries both opportunity and risk. Identifying potential before a player explodes onto the global stage can strengthen the squad sustainably, though it also requires patience from supporters who may expect more established signings. Under Slot, whose system values mobility and pressing from the front, a developing forward like Diomande could offer tactical versatility.
Liverpool’s recruitment department has increasingly focused on adaptability, seeking attackers capable of filling multiple roles. As the team continues to balance domestic recovery with European competition, adding players who can grow within the system may become a central theme of upcoming windows.
While the idea of Liverpool tracking Diomande feels credible, Lynch urged caution about the timeline. He said, “But he might not even move this summer because that’s not guaranteed.” That reminder underlines how early scouting interest often gets interpreted as imminent transfer activity when the reality may be far more gradual.
He added, “We’ll see where it goes. I don’t think anything is really heating up yet and there’s no indication that Liverpool are firmly in for him this summer.” For supporters, that balanced perspective offers clarity amid growing speculation. Monitoring a player does not always translate into formal negotiations, especially when Liverpool’s focus remains on improving consistency on the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO
Recent performances have hinted at progress after an uneven period, and maintaining that upward trend could influence how aggressively the club approaches the market. Slot’s side has shown renewed cohesion in cup competitions, which may allow the recruitment team to assess targets without rushing decisions.
Diomande’s emergence as a potential target says as much about Liverpool’s future planning as it does about immediate needs. The club appears determined to evolve alongside changing trends in European football, prioritising development pathways and strategic scouting.
As Lynch’s comments suggest, the situation remains at an observational stage rather than a decisive one. Liverpool’s interest reflects curiosity and preparation, not urgency. With the season still offering opportunities for silverware and growth under Slot, attention will remain split between present performance and future potential.
For now, Diomande represents another example of Liverpool’s willingness to look ahead. Whether that interest becomes concrete will depend on timing, squad changes and how the club chooses to build around a manager still striving to guide the Reds back towards consistent domestic dominance.









































