Diomande Deal in Freefall as Leipzig Hold Firm on Prized Winger

The Reds look set to miss out on RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande this summer as their pursuit of a Mohamed Salah successor hits the rocks, fresh reports suggest.

Liverpool confirmed in March that Salah would depart Anfield when the season concludes, allowing the Egyptian the opportunity to bid farewell to the Kop. A difficult campaign has seen Salah's output plummet alarmingly—seven goals and six assists across 25 league outings, a stark contrast to his 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances last term when Liverpool clinched the Premier League title. The Reds currently sit fourth in the table.

With Salah heading for the exit, Liverpool have zeroed in on Diomande as their primary target for the summer market. Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg reported earlier this month that a deal had won the backing of Liverpool's decision-making hierarchy.

"Yan Diomande is now Liverpool's top target to replace Mo Salah, with the move approved by all LFC decision-makers," Plettenberg wrote. "Concrete talks are ongoing with his new representatives at Roc Nation Sports, although no agreement has been reached yet and the clubs have not entered negotiations. RB Leipzig are keen to adjust his salary and extend his contract. PSG, led by Luis Campos, are also in the race and have already held a meeting with his agents."

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international carries an estimated valuation of £86.2m, yet Red Bull supremo Oliver Mintzlaff has made Leipzig's intentions crystal clear. "If I were the sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us yet, regardless of the asking price," Mintzlaff declared. "I believe he's a player who will continue to develop, because he's still very young and could certainly become more expensive."

That stance appears to have hardened considerably. Christian Falk of Sport Bild has now suggested the plan is for Diomande to remain in Germany for a minimum of twelve months. Speaking on his Bayern Insider podcast, Falk explained: "Anyone who knows the club knows: his word is law. Diomande should also be able to imagine staying for at least a year. The club's plan is to extend his contract in the summer, increase his salary, and include a release clause."

Still, Liverpool aren't backing off entirely. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Reds continue to monitor the teenager closely, with scouts attending Leipzig's recent matches. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also circling, creating a competitive landscape for the winger's signature.

"Leipzig are discussing the possibility to keep the player for one more season, extend his contract and include a release clause to sell the player in 2027," Romano explained. "But it is Diomande deciding, also, based on the proposals arriving this summer. Liverpool keep tracking the player and appreciate the player. They know they are not alone."

Whether Diomande will accept Leipzig's improved terms or opt for an immediate departure remains to be seen—a subplot that promises to dominate the summer window's unfolding drama.