Liverpool are prepared to pay up to €86 million (£75m) to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as they accelerate plans to replace Mohamed Salah, according to reports from FootballTransfers. While the 19-year-old is a primary target for manager Arne Slot, a valuation gap remains as the Bundesliga side reportedly value the player between €97m and €100m. Liverpool have already identified PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Diomande's Leipzig teammate Antonio Nusa as alternative options should negotiations with the German club stall over the final fee.
The Diomande valuation gap and Liverpool alternatives
Leipzig’s firm stance on a €100m package reflects the significant profit they expect on a player signed from Leganes for just €20m in July 2025. Diomande has publicly acknowledged the interest, stating in a recent interview that links to clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea serve as "motivation" to perform. However, Liverpool’s €86m ceiling suggests a disciplined approach to their budget following last summer’s club-record €143m signing of Alexander Isak. If Leipzig refuse to lower their demands, Liverpool are understood to be considering 23-year-old Barcola, who offers Champions League experience with PSG, or the versatile Nusa, whose profile fits the high-intensity requirements of Slot’s tactical system.
Squad overhaul drives Liverpool’s defensive and attacking interest
The pursuit of a high-ceiling winger coincides with a broader restructuring of Liverpool's spine. With Mohamed Salah’s contract reaching its conclusion and Virgil van Dijk turning 35 this July, the club is simultaneously prioritising defensive reinforcements. Beyond the attacking third, Liverpool remain linked with Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, who has an €80m release clause, and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. These moves are viewed as essential contingency planning given the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future. Journalist David Lynch has confirmed that Yan Diomande remains firmly on the club's radar, but the hierarchy’s willingness to pivot to Barcola or Nusa indicates they will not be drawn into an overpayment similar to the Dominik Szoboszlai deal if the terms are not favourable.
Negotiations are expected to intensify following the conclusion of the domestic season as Liverpool look to secure their primary targets before the pre-season tour.