Yan Diomande to Liverpool update as Salah replacement agrees transfer | Football | Sport
Liverpool have fallen behind in the pursuit of RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande after he has reportedly given his verbal commitment to join Paris Saint-Germain. Diomande has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents and is attracting significant attention ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old winger scored 13 goals and registered 10 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this season, his debut campaign in Germany. He remains under contract until June 2030, but could depart after just a single season with the club.
Leipzig are determined to hold onto Diomande following their qualification for the Champions League. They are prepared to negotiate firmly as Liverpool, PSG and Bayern Munich all vie for the Ivory Coast international.
Liverpool are hoping to recruit a right-winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who departed the club following nine fruitful years. Diomande has long been identified as a target, but it appears that PSG have stolen a march in the race.
French outlet Foot Mercato claim that the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season has agreed to relocate to Paris, where he would strengthen an already formidable attack featuring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.
It is further understood, however, that Diomande is also keen on Liverpool but not Bayern. The next stage would be to agree a transfer fee with Leipzig, who are in a position to demand in excess of £100million, having secured his signature from Leganes for just £17m in July.
ESPN claim that Leipzig have placed a £112m valuation on their prized asset. They may also attempt to tie Diomande down to an improved contract in an effort to fend off suitors.
Speaking last month, Diomande admitted that he is in no hurry to leave. “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.”
