Sky Germany: Liverpool want to sign forward ahead of the World Cup | OneFootball

Liverpool Set Transfer Deadline as Yan Diomande Interest Intensifies

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the club understood to be working towards a deal before the World Cup begins, according to Sky Germany.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most discussed attacking prospects in Europe after an impressive season in Germany, where he recorded 13 goals and 10 assists. His form has placed him firmly on Liverpool’s recruitment radar as Arne Slot prepares for a significant summer rebuild.

With Mohamed Salah set to leave Liverpool this summer, the right wing position has become a major priority. Diomande, who joined RB Leipzig from CD Leganes last year, is viewed as a player with the speed, directness and end product to grow into that role over the long term.

Yan Diomande Emerges as Liverpool Priority

Liverpool’s interest in Yan Diomande has developed at a time when RB Leipzig are attempting to secure his future. The Bundesliga club are keen to extend a contract that already runs until 2030, which gives them a strong negotiating position.

Reports in Germany suggest Leipzig could value Diomande at around £130m. That figure has raised questions around whether a deal can be structured in a way that satisfies all parties, particularly with Liverpool managing a busy transfer window.

Photo: IMAGO

Diomande has also addressed the growing speculation around his future. Speaking earlier this week, he said: “Yeah, I heard. But I don’t know if it’s going to be okay for every­one to pay that.

“I’m not going to say Paris, Liverpool or Real [Madrid]. But it would be a good idea to play for big clubs. Everyone has ambitions and every day you want to go higher.”

RB Leipzig Face Growing Transfer Pressure

RB Leipzig remain determined to keep Yan Diomande, especially given his rapid development and long contractual security. Interest from Liverpool, Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City has increased the pressure around the situation.

Liverpool are believed to be exploring different ways to reduce the overall cost of a potential deal. Harvey Elliott has been mentioned as a possible makeweight, which could help lower the cash element of any transfer.

That approach would fit with Liverpool’s broader strategy, as the club aim to refresh their attacking options without losing sight of financial discipline.

Slot Makes Liverpool Wing Priority Clear

Arne Slot has publicly acknowledged why wide attackers are central to Liverpool’s planning. Salah’s departure leaves an obvious vacancy, and Liverpool must now decide whether to recruit a similar profile or reshape the attack with a different type of forward.

“One of the reasons why everyone is talking about wingers is because Mo is leaving,” Slot said. “It makes complete sense to think about at least one. I think last season gives you the answer. How important were our wingers last season for our success.

“They were scoring goals, providing goals, so they were a vital part of us winning the league last season and, in general in football, you see more and more focus on wingers.”

World Cup Timeline Sharpens Negotiations

Liverpool’s desire to complete a deal before the World Cup underlines the importance of timing. A strong tournament could increase Diomande’s value further and bring more clubs into the conversation.

For RB Leipzig, the priority is clear, extend the player’s deal and retain control. For Liverpool, the challenge is equally clear, move decisively for one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards before the market becomes even more complicated.

Yan Diomande’s next step is now one of the key storylines of the summer window, with Liverpool positioning themselves firmly in the race.