Diomande Deal Could Be Done Next Week as Liverpool Move Forward Under Iraola

Liverpool are eyeing a swift conclusion to their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the transfer potentially wrapped up within the next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds endured a difficult campaign under Arne Slot that culminated in a fifth-place Premier League finish and his subsequent sacking. Now, with Andoni Iraola confirmed as his replacement, the club is moving decisively in the transfer market to bolster their attacking options.

Diomande has signalled his willingness to make the switch to Merseyside, with French journalist Santi Aouna confirming on Tuesday that the 24-year-old has given his approval to both Liverpool and PSG. The winger is keen to resolve his future before the World Cup, which begins on June 11, allowing him to head to the tournament with clarity rather than uncertainty hanging over his head.

The race for his signature remains competitive. Paris Saint-Germain are actively pursuing the player alongside Liverpool, and Bayern Munich have also cast an interested eye over him following Anthony Gordon's departure to Barcelona. However, the two French and English clubs appear to hold the advantage.

Ben Jacobs, speaking on the Born N' Red podcast, outlined the tactical positioning that makes Liverpool and PSG the frontrunners. "Both Liverpool and PSG view Diomande predominantly as a right-sided player," Jacobs explained. "Bayern are saying to Diomande: come in on the left side, whereas Liverpool and PSG view him as a right-sided player. At this point of his career the player significantly prefers to play on the right side."

Romano confirmed that negotiations are well underway between Liverpool and Diomande's representatives. "Liverpool are in negotiations with Yan Diomande's camp, so Liverpool are on it for sure," he stated on his YouTube channel. "Paris Saint-Germain are on it as well, they are speaking with the player's camp, they have genuine interest in Yan Diomande, so the battle is on."

The transfer guru added that the player's desire to complete the move swiftly is the driving force behind the accelerated timeline. "The preference on the player side is to do the deal fast before the start of the World Cup so Diomande can go to the World Cup without thinking," Romano said. "They will try to accelerate the deal before the World Cup. It will depend on Leipzig. It is never easy to negotiate with them but Liverpool and PSG are both working on it."

Should the deal materialise, Diomande would become Iraola's first signing at Anfield, signalling the new manager's influence over the club's recruitment strategy as Liverpool attempt to mount a serious title challenge next season.