Liverpool push for Diomande as Salah successor

Liverpool are strongly pursuing RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande as they step up plans to find a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger has become their top target after a standout breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, but Leipzig are insisting on a fee of at least €100m, with his contract running until 2030.

Leipzig admit it will be “extremely difficult” to keep Diomande and are preparing for major offers, even if they would prefer him to stay for another year. Bayern Munich and PSG are also in the race, which could drive the price even higher and complicate Liverpool’s hopes of getting a deal done.

Diomande has tried to stay grounded despite the growing speculation. “Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid… you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more,” he said, stressing that his focus remains on performing on the pitch while others handle the off-field noise.

After producing 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league games, and becoming the fourth-youngest player to hit double figures in a Bundesliga season, he looks ready for the next step at elite level.