Liverpool identify ‘cross king’ Yankuba Minteh as Yan Diomande transfer stand-off continues

Liverpool are continuing to keep a close watch on Yan Diomande as their leading summer attacking target, but negotiations remain complicated by the German club’s firm stance on valuation.

The 19-year-old winger, who joined RB Leipzig from CD Leganes for £17.3 million last year, has quickly become one of Europe’s most highly rated young wide players.

Liverpool’s recruitment team has already tested the waters with a €100 million proposal, only to see it rejected. Leipzig are now understood to be holding out for a significantly higher fee, creating a major gap between both clubs’ expectations.

Despite the resistance, Diomande is reportedly open to a move to Anfield, keeping the door ajar for further talks as the transfer window develops.

Liverpool prepared to escalate bidding beyond club records

The financial stakes are expected to rise further, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano indicating Liverpool are willing to return with an improved offer that could exceed the Premier League transfer record they set for Alexander Isak in 2025. That level of investment underlines how highly Diomande is valued within the club’s long-term attacking plans.

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is understood to be pushing for another dynamic winger to complement recent signing Victor Munoz, who joined from CA Osasuna in a £34.5 million deal. However, the scale of Leipzig’s asking price remains a major obstacle, forcing the club to widen their scouting focus across Europe’s top leagues.

Yankuba Minteh emerges as Premier League-ready alternative

With negotiations for Diomande still unresolved, Liverpool have identified a strong contingency option in Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion. According to reports, the 21-year-old is now considered the leading Plan B candidate should the move for Diomande collapse.

Minteh’s profile appeals to Liverpool due to his proven experience in English football and his physical, direct style of play. While his output in front of goal stands at 10 Premier League goals across two seasons, his influence extends far beyond scoring statistics. He has built a reputation as one of the division’s most aggressive wide players in transition, consistently stretching defences with pace and relentless running.

The Gambian international has also emerged as one of the league’s most productive wide creators. He finished the 2025/26 season second among attacking players for crosses delivered, registering 159, significantly ahead of many elite wide forwards, including Mohamed Salah, who recorded 119 in the same period.

Iraola’s evolving winger strategy shapes Liverpool’s approach

Liverpool’s broader recruitment strategy reflects the tactical direction of head coach Andoni Iraola, who is keen to add a second high-impact winger following his move for Munoz. Iraola values wide players who can combine direct attacking thrust with high-volume service into the penalty area, a profile that both Diomande and Minteh are seen to offer in different ways.

While Diomande represents a high-ceiling long-term investment, Minteh provides a more immediate Premier League-ready solution. That contrast is central to Liverpool’s internal discussions as they weigh up whether to pursue another record-breaking deal or pivot towards a more cost-effective and proven domestic option.