Liverpool Step Up Chase for Leipzig's Diomande as Salah Replacement Looms

Liverpool have intensified their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, stepping up their recruitment efforts as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger will depart Anfield when his contract expires at season's end, leaving Fenway Sports Group with a significant gap to fill on the flank.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has emerged as the Reds' primary target to fill that void. Leipzig are demanding €100m (£87m) for the teenager, a fee Liverpool appear willing to meet. Yet the German club harbour ambitions of retaining their prospect, hoping to persuade him to sign fresh terms complete with a release clause protecting their investment.

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool's serious intent, revealing that scouts from Anfield have been regulars in the stands during Leipzig's recent matches. However, the Reds face stiff competition for Diomande's signature. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have equally thrown their hats into the ring, with all three clubs actively courting the teenager.

"Liverpool keep tracking the player," Romano explained on his YouTube channel. "Liverpool have been in attendance with their scouts over the recent games, in the last two games of Red Bull Leipzig to follow Yan Diomande. And Liverpool appreciate the player. They know they are not alone."

The winger, who recently switched representation to Roc Nation in January, holds the key to his own destiny. Leipzig are attempting to convince him to commit to a longer deal with a staggered exit route—potentially departing in 2027 or 2028 via the release clause. Yet Diomande could yet opt to leave this summer rather than tie himself down to fresh terms.

"It is Diomande deciding, also, based on the proposals arriving this summer," Romano noted. "Yan Diomande, for sure, is going to be an interesting case to follow in this summer transfer window, waiting first of all to understand if he decides to accept new contract from Leipzig, higher salary, release clause, leaving in 2027 or 2028, or if he wants to leave immediately."

Former Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff recently weighed in on the matter, expressing reluctance at the prospect of losing such a prospect regardless of the financial package on offer. "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 said. "I believe he's a player who will continue to develop, because he's still very young and could certainly become more expensive."