Liverpool are in active negotiations with RB Leipzig to sign winger Yan Diomande as they prepare for the departure of Mohamed Salah. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international is the subject of high-level discussions between the clubs and his representatives at Roc Nation, according to reports from Goal and FootballTransfers. Leipzig have established a €100 million (£87m) asking price for the teenager, who joined the Bundesliga side for just €20 million from CD Leganes in July 2025. With Salah expected to exit Anfield in June 2026, Liverpool have identified Diomande as the primary candidate to fill the vacuum on the right flank.
Diomande's rapid rise and the €100m valuation
Diomande has enjoyed a prolific debut season in Germany, recording 12 goals and seven assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances. This output, coupled with his profile as a left-footed right winger, has driven Leipzig to demand a fee that mirrors the €125m Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz in 2025. While TEAMtalk reports that Leipzig are open to a dialogue, the club remains resistant to losing their asset after just one season. Speaking earlier this year to German media, RB Leipzig Supervisory Board Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff stated that he "wouldn't sell this young player" regardless of the offer. This stance follows a historical pattern for the Red Bull-backed club, who typically aim to retain key talent for at least two campaigns to maximise market value, as previously seen with Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Contextualising the Mohamed Salah transition
The pursuit of Diomande signals the acceleration of Arne Slot’s squad refresh, with Salah reportedly reaching an agreement to conclude his Liverpool tenure a year ahead of his 2027 contract expiry. Replacing a player of Salah's statistical consistency—spanning 350+ appearances—requires a profile capable of immediate high-volume dribbling and goal threat. At 19, Diomande offers a mirror to Salah’s tactical role but also represents a significant financial commitment for a player with fewer than 40 top-flight appearances. For Liverpool, the move is a necessity driven by the need to secure a high-ceiling replacement before Salah officially departs on a free transfer. The club's willingness to meet the €100m figure underscores the scarcity of elite inverted wingers in the current market, particularly following the record-breaking fees paid for peers like Jude Bellingham.
Negotiations are expected to continue through May as Liverpool look to reach a breakthrough before the opening of the summer window.