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Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of finalising an agreement with RB Leipzig for winger Yan Diomande, with a transfer fee of around £87 million being discussed between the two clubs.

According to sources close to the player, Diomande is ‘ready to agree’ to a move to Anfield as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is set to depart at the end of the current season.

Salah confirmed in March that, despite extending his contract for two years last summer, this campaign would be his last with Liverpool. The Egyptian forward has seen his playing time reduced under manager Arne Slot in recent months.

Following a challenging season defending their Premier League crown, Liverpool are expected to spend significantly again this summer. The club have identified RB Leipzig’s promising winger Yan Diomande as their top target to fill the void left by 33-year-old Salah, with negotiations reportedly progressing swiftly in recent days.

After early stints with Chelsea and Rangers, Diomande’s rise to prominence has been a gradual journey. The Ivorian began his professional path in the fifth tier of Spanish football with Leganes’ B team before earning a move to RB Leipzig in January 2025, marking a significant step in his career.

In a feature from FourFourTwo, journalist Joe Donnohue profiled the Ivorian starlet in the “The Boy’s A Bit Special” series, noting that the youngster “has always been an early developer for his age and uses his physical strength exceptionally well, gliding past defenders with ease while also working tirelessly off the ball.” Donnohue drew comparisons to Salah, who leaves Liverpool ranked fifth in FourFourTwo’s list of the Premier League’s all-time greatest players.

Reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Liverpool are confident of reaching personal terms with Diomande ahead of a big-money transfer this summer. The talented teenager is said to be “ready to agree” to the move, signalling a major addition to Arne Slot’s squad.

Last summer, the Reds enjoyed success with another major Bundesliga signing when they brought Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million, according to the BBC. The French forward scored 17 goals before his season was cut short by an Achilles injury suffered against his former side Paris Saint-Germain.

FourFourTwo reports that Liverpool’s interest in Diomande stretches back over a year, with his tactical versatility being a key factor. RB Leipzig, however, are believed to value the player at up to €100 million (around £87 million).

Liverpool are expected to negotiate to lower that valuation, particularly as the club plans to strengthen multiple positions this summer – including goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back, defensive midfield, and attack – in what could be another high-spending transfer window.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig are keen to secure Diomande’s long-term future by offering him a new contract with a release clause, similar to the strategy used to retain Benjamin Sesko amid Arsenal’s interest in 2024, before eventually selling him to Manchester United for a higher fee in 2025.

In FourFourTwo’s analysis, a player of Diomande’s attributes would be a crucial addition for Slot. With many of Liverpool’s current forwards preferring to receive the ball to feet, the team lacks enough direct, pace-driven wingers. Given Ekitike’s success after his Bundesliga switch, Diomande could flourish with his mix of strength, speed, and technical ability.

The 19-year-old is currently valued at €75 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool will return to Premier League action this weekend as they host Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Do you think Yan Diomande would be a smart signing for Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments.