Updated: 24 May 2026 21:15 BST |
5 min read
Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Yan Diomande after learning RB Leipzig are hoping to persuade their star winger to stay by offering him a new contract, according to The Daily Star.
The Reds are believed to be running the rule over several wide players as they look to secure a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will bring his legendary Anfield career to a close against Brentford today.
And according to The Athletic, Liverpool have made Leipzig star Diomande their primary target ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month, with the 19-year-old reportedly valued at €100million (£86.3m).
However, according to The Daily Star – who cite Sky Sports Germany in their report – Leipzig are not prepared to lose Diomande without a fight as the Bundesliga side prepare to offer him fresh terms.
Diomande, who is contracted to Ole Werner’s side until 2030, has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the world since moving to Germany from Spanish side Leganes last July.
The Ivory Coast international scored 12 goals and recorded seven assists this season as Leipzig secured qualification for the Champions League with a top-three finish – a feat which should also strengthen their bargaining position.
When asked about speculation linking him with a big-money move at the end of the season, Diomande told The Athletic earlier this month: “Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job…you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more.
“I don’t think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything, but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.”
While it remains to be seen where Diomande’s long-term future lies, Liverpool are hoping to join Leipzig in next season’s Champions League by securing qualification on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
Mohamed Salah starts as Liverpool face Brentford on the final day
Arne Slot’s men will secure their place in Europe’s premier club competition if they avoid defeat to Europe-chasing Brentford at Anfield, with the club currently fifth in the table and three points ahead of Bournemouth, who travel to Nottingham Forest. Liverpool also boast a better goal difference over Andoni Iraola’s Cherries.
In what will be his final appearance for Liverpool, Salah has been handed a starting berth against Brentford, despite appearing to question manager Slot’s brand of football by urging the club to return to a “heavy metal” style of play following the 4-2 reverse against Aston Villa on 15 May.
In a post on social media, the Egypt forward wrote: “I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions. It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that.
“Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.
“That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.”
Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017 and has gone on to become one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, winning nine major honours with the Merseysiders including two league titles and one Champions League crown.
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