Liverpool have identified Yan Diomande as their “top target” to replace Mohamed Salah this summer, but they will be forced to pay over €100 million for the RB Leipzig starlet.
Salah, 33, has officially confirmed that an eight-year stay at Anfield will come to an end this summer, with the club agreeing to terminate his contract 12 months early, and Arne Slot’s side are now scouring the transfer market for a suitable successor.
Bayern Munich have ruled out the possibility of selling Michael Olise, who had been heavily linked with a move, and the Reds are now ready to intensify their pursuit of Diomande ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Ivory Coast international has 13 goals and eight assists in 32 games since joining Leipzig last summer and his form in the Bundesliga has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, Liverpool are considered the frontrunners for his signature and they are ready to engage in formal negotiations with Leipzig over a summer deal, as per Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Germany reporter posted on X: “Yan Diomande is now Liverpool’s top target to replace Mo Salah, with the move approved by all LFC decision-makers.
“Concrete talks are ongoing with his new representatives at Roc Nation Sports, although no agreement has been reached yet and the clubs have not entered negotiations.
“RB Leipzig are keen to adjust his salary and extend his contract. PSG, led by Luis Campos, are also in the race and have already held a meeting with his agents.”
Is this Mohamed Salah’s replacement? 👀
A look at 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, a target of Liverpool’s to replace outgoing winger Mohamed Salah 🔴 pic.twitter.com/pmEIHlWHB2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 21, 2026
RB Leipzig set new Yan Diomande asking price
It had previously been reported that a fee of €100m would be enough to secure the signing of Diomande this summer, but Sky Germany have confirmed that Leipzig are now demanding a higher offer.
A bid in excess of €100m will reportedly be required to land the Ivorian’s signature ahead of next season, which is significantly higher than his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just €27.6m.
As a result, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will agree to finalise a deal for that price or if they will instead pursue a cheaper alternative.
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