Liverpool Move to Front of Queue for Bilbao's Williams as Diomande Door Slams Shut

Liverpool's search for a Salah successor has taken a significant turn, with reports from Spain suggesting the Reds are now the leading contenders to secure Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The Merseyside club's interest comes as their long-standing pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande appears to have stalled entirely.

The Basque outfit appear increasingly willing to negotiate Williams' departure, with claims emerging that the 21-year-old has already made residential arrangements to smooth his transition to Anfield. Bilbao, who initially held firm on their €95m release clause, are now signalling flexibility—reportedly open to accepting closer to €60m upfront plus a further €20m in performance-related instalments.

Liverpool's willingness to stretch to approximately €80m represents a figure both clubs seem capable of bridging. The contract being dangled in front of Williams is understood to be particularly lucrative, underlining the Reds' determination to land a player who fits the profile of an attacking talent capable of providing Salah's long-term replacement.

The collapse of the Diomande avenue removes what had appeared a promising alternative. Leipzig remain adamant their Ivory Coast winger isn't departing, with the German club's hierarchy insisting he's going nowhere. The astronomical €150m (£130m) valuation attached to the 19-year-old—seemingly prohibitive for an largely untested prospect—has also done little to advance any transfer discussion.

When quizzed on the speculation surrounding his price tag and potential suitors, Diomande acknowledged the noise but remained circumspect. "Yeah, I heard," he reflected. "But I don't know if it's going to be okay for everyone to pay that. I'm not going to say Paris, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But it would be a good idea to play for big clubs. Everyone has ambitions and every day you want to go higher. So, it was Leganés, today I'm a Leipzig player. I'm not going to hide my desires or my dreams. I want to play for a big club, of course."

Liverpool's wider attacking overhaul may not end with Williams alone. Form has deserted Cody Gakpo and several other forward options this campaign, prompting speculation the club could pursue multiple wingers before the window closes. Williams, however, represents the immediate priority—a young, dynamic operator capable of providing the creative spark and goal-threat the Reds require as they reshape their frontline.