Liverpool launch £87m bid to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande
Liverpool have launched an £87m bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as they look to secure a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield following an outstanding breakthrough season in Germany.
The Premier League side are expected to intensify their negotiations over the coming weeks to reach a compromise regarding the final transfer fee.
Gap in valuation
Reports suggest the Bundesliga outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £112m for their prized asset.
However, the Merseyside club are hoping to strike a deal closer to the £86m mark and have now formalised their interest with an initial £87m approach.
Negotiations must find a middle ground if the lightning-fast attacker is to join Víctor Muñoz as part of Andoni Iraola’s revamped squad.
The Reds are preparing for another summer of heavy investment following a disappointing campaign that resulted in the departure of Arne Slot.
‘Extraordinary’ consistency
The teenage sensation enjoyed a stellar domestic campaign, registering 13 goals and 10 assists during his first full year in professional football.
His global reputation was further enhanced by a string of dazzling performances for his country at the recent World Cup in North America.
Ole Werner, his former manager at Leipzig, was quick to highlight the youngster’s remarkable maturity on the pitch.
“The consistency he’s shown has been extraordinary for his age, and the fact that it’s his first full year in professional football.”
“Yan’s a really important player for us, an excellent player who everyone here enjoys working with.”
While Leipzig are eager to retain the forward for their upcoming Champions League campaign, Werner conceded that outside interest was inevitable.
“If the coach could decide, then of course Yan would be playing here next year, but the summer will show how things progress.”
The highly rated forward remains under contract in Germany, but a move to English football now appears increasingly likely.
