Liverpool are understood to be preparing a significant bid of £86 million for RB Leipzig's highly-rated Ivorian winger, Yan Diomande. The potential transfer is seen as a key component of new head coach Andoni Iraola's strategy to reconfigure the Reds' attacking line-up, particularly in light of Mohamed Salah's anticipated departure from Anfield.
Diomande, a 19-year-old who caught attention with an impressive performance on his World Cup debut for Ivory Coast in their 1-0 victory over Ecuador, joined Leipzig last year for an initial fee of approximately £17 million (€20m). Last season, he proved instrumental for the German club, contributing 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, which helped secure their qualification for the Champions League.
This proposed move for Diomande is part of a broader recruitment drive by Liverpool, which has already seen them reportedly agree a £34 million deal for Victor Munoz from Osasuna. While Munoz is considered a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, Diomande is viewed as a more direct replacement for Salah on the right wing, offering pace and goal-scoring prowess.
However, Liverpool faces stiff competition for Diomande's signature. Paris Saint-Germain, the double Champions League winners, are also reportedly interested in the young talent. Furthermore, RB Leipzig is said to be holding out for a fee in the region of £110 million (€130m), suggesting Liverpool's initial offer may need to be increased to secure the player.
Should the £86 million transfer materialise, Diomande would become Liverpool's third most expensive signing in their history, following the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer. The club has prioritised strengthening its forward options this transfer window, with Federico Chiesa also expected to leave and Hugo Ekitike set to miss the start of the upcoming season. Liverpool has a history of successful dealings with Leipzig, having previously acquired Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, and Naby Keita from the German outfit.