A few minutes ago, news broke that Liverpool are well positioned to close a deal for Yan Diomandé – and the increased price will comfortably make the winger the third most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Liverpool have identified 19-year-old Diomandé as the perfect successor to the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Diomandé may only be a teenager, but after just one season in the Bundesliga, he is already drawing attention from the world’s biggest teams.
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Leipzig are determined to keep the Ivory Coast winger for at least one more season. However, they have not ruled out a big sale if there are huge bids.
Liverpool vs. PSG in battle for the big talent
The list of clubs chasing Diomandé is long, but basically it’s about Liverpool against PSG in the battle for the coup.
And according to the latest from The Athletic reporter David Ornstein, Liverpool are better positioned than PSG and in the “strongest position” to make a personal deal with the striker.
Ornstein declared:
“The Merseyside club are currently in the strongest position with the player in terms of a potential deal.
The statement came after Ornstein revealed that Liverpool have now opened official club-to-club talks with Leipzig.
RB Leipzig demand over €130 million
In terms of costs, reports throughout 2026 have generally pointed to a price of €100 million (£86 million). However, Ornstein dropped a bombshell when he claimed that Leipzig are now demanding “in excess” of €130 million (£112 million).
Liverpool may be reluctant to go that high, according to the reporter. But it’s important to note that PSG aren’t willing to be fools with their money either.
The straight Champions League winners “have not come as chosen as Liverpool” in terms of the background work they have done on the deal – nor have they opened direct talks with Leipzig yet.
Third most expensive in the club’s history
If Diomandé joins Liverpool, he is expected to become the club’s third most expensive signing ever.
Only Florian Wirtz (including £116 million) and Alexander Isak (£125 million) would have cost more.
Why Liverpool are desperate to sign Yan Diomandé
To explain why the Reds are so determined to spend so much money on such a young player, The Athletic’s analyst Seb Stafford-Bloor provided insights.
He wrote:
“Diomandé is two-legged. He can beat a defender on the left or right – with technique or brute force. He can shoot and score with placement or power, and can plan his way to goal or otherwise force his way there.
“In time, he will surely become one of those players who poses a threat every time he touches the ball. What must be terrifying to any defender who faces him – especially one-on-one – is how quickly Diomandé can change speed.
“He was measured this season as the fifth fastest player in the Bundesliga – ahead of Karim Adeyemi, Saïd El Mala and Bazoumana Touré. But he has an acceleration that allows him to jump into gear even from a standstill – making it extremely difficult to keep him under control when he has the ball.
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