Liverpool seek reduced valuation for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as Salah exit looms
With Mohamed Salah's departure confirmed following a contract dispute with manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are prioritising wide attacking quality. However, reports indicate the club is unlikely to meet Leipzig's €100m asking price for their primary target, Yan Diomande.
Liverpool are actively tracking 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave the club at the end of the 2025–26 season. This strategic pivot follows a contract dispute between the Egyptian forward and manager Arne Slot, which has led to the early termination of Salah's deal. Consequently, the club is now searching for a wide man who can provide one-v-one quality in the summer transfer window.
While Liverpool have conducted due diligence and spoken to Diomande's advisors, a formal bid has not yet been launched. Trusted Liverpool reporter Dominic King, writing for the Telegraph, confirms the club's interest but notes that a deal is unlikely at the €100m valuation Leipzig expects. The Ivory Coast international has scored 12 goals this season and remains under contract with the German side until 2030, giving Leipzig confidence in their ability to extract a substantial fee.
In response to the high asking price, Liverpool are reportedly seeking a cut-price move for a wide man this summer. This approach contrasts with the club's recent spending habits, where significant sums were paid for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz last summer. Richard Hughes, the club's sporting director, appears hesitant to commit to the mammoth fee demanded by Leipzig bosses, who have not ruled out keeping the African star for another season.
Beyond Diomande, the search for a replacement for Salah involves considering other names linked to the Premier League champions. Reports suggest that Bazoumana Toure and Bradley Barcola are also being monitored as alternatives. However, the focus remains heavily on the young talent at RB Leipzig, provided the financial terms can be negotiated to a level acceptable to both parties.
The final status of Mohamed Salah's departure is confirmed only at the end of the current season, adding a layer of uncertainty to the immediate recruitment strategy. While the club aims to secure a high-quality winger to bolster the attack, the gap between Liverpool's willingness to pay and Leipzig's valuation remains the primary obstacle to a quick resolution.
