Liverpool open talks for £112m Man City target Yan Diomande as Iraola arrives at Anfield
The Reds have made the first move for the RB Leipzig winger, but the German club say they are "in the driver's seat" with no release clause and four years left on his contract.
Liverpool have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Yan Diomande, beating Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to the first formal approach for the 19-year-old winger.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have started discussions with Leipzig, who are demanding at least €130 million (£112.4 million) for one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga last season. Diomande scored 12 goals and provided eight assists, earning the division's Rookie of the Season award and helping Leipzig finish third.
Liverpool want a new right winger after Mohamed Salah's departure, and Diomande, who primarily plays on the right but can operate on either flank, fits the profile.
What have Leipzig said?
Managing director Marcel Schafer told Sport Bild that Leipzig are under no pressure to sell.
"We don't have to accept any offer," he said. "Yan has no release clause. That means we are in the driver's seat and everyone else is in the back seat. We want to keep Yan Diomande, and he himself also sees his future at Leipzig for the time being."
Schafer added: "It is extraordinary that a player with such attacking ability has the awareness to always help defensively and want to help. Yan is the player with the most won duels in the league, by a large margin. That's crazy."
What has Diomande said?
Speaking ahead of Ivory Coast's World Cup friendly against France, Diomande admitted his love for PSG. "Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little," he said. "My father is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter. It's a team I admire as a football fan."
That comment may concern Liverpool, though making the first move puts them in a strong position.
What about City?
Manchester City are also monitoring Diomande, but their immediate midfield priority remains Elliot Anderson. If they fail to agree a fee with Nottingham Forest, they may redirect attention to targets like Diomande and Sandro Tonali.
What is happening with Iraola?
Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was at Liverpool's training ground on Thursday to finalise his appointment as the club's new head coach, replacing Arne Slot, who was sacked last week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Yan Diomande?
- Yan Diomande is a 19-year-old winger for RB Leipzig and the Ivory Coast national team, who recently won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.
- Which clubs are interested in signing Diomande?
- Manchester City, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly monitoring the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.
- How much is RB Leipzig asking for the player?
- According to reports, the German club is demanding a transfer fee of at least £112.4 million (approximately €130 million) for the winger.