Liverpool’s pursuit of Mohamed Salah’s replacement has suffered a blow after their top target has reportedly verbally agreed to join their rivals in a deal that could exceed £100million.
Liverpool have slipped behind in the pursuit of RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande after he reportedly gave his word to join Paris Saint-Germain. Diomande has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young talents and is generating considerable attention as the summer transfer window approaches.
The 19-year-old winger netted 13 goals and registered 10 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this term during his maiden campaign in Germany. He remains tied down until June 2030 but could be departing after just one season with the outfit.
Leipzig are determined to retain Diomande following their Champions League qualification. They are prepared to negotiate firmly as Liverpool, PSG and Bayern Munich all vie for the Ivory Coast international.
Liverpool are seeking to recruit a right-winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who has departed the club after nine fruitful years. Diomande has long been identified as a target, but it appears that PSG have gained the upper hand in the chase.
French publication Foot Mercato claims that the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season has committed to relocating to Paris, where he would strengthen an already formidable attack boasting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. It is further reported, however, that Diomande is also keen on Liverpool but not Bayern. The next step would be to agree a fee with Leipzig, who can demand north of £100million, having snapped him up from Leganes for just €20m (£17m) in July.
ESPN says that Leipzig have slapped a €130m (£112m) price tag on their star player. They could also attempt to extend Diomande’s contract on improved terms in a bid to fend off interest, while a legal dispute between his former representatives and current ones is heading for the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a further complication.
Speaking to reporters last month, Diomande made it clear he’s not in a rush. “My contract here is until 2030, so I have four more years,” he said. “What’s going to happen afterwards? I don’t know. I am a Leipzig player.
“I will never forget this opportunity. It’s not only about playing football, but the club helped me a lot off the pitch. The media only sees me on the pitch, but the club helped me a lot with my family and my mom. The only thing I can do for them is to give everything on the pitch and this is what I’m trying to do every day.
“Nobody knew me before and €20m is a lot. It was a big risk for them and I thank them for that. And like I said today, we are in a good way and it’s not over. We need to keep going, keep working hard.”