Liverpool are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah by pursuing RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as their primary target to replace the Egyptian star, according to multiple verified reports. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has emerged as Liverpool’s top choice to fill the void left by Salah, whose Anfield career is set to conclude this summer despite having one year remaining on his contract.
Sources indicate that Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has unanimously approved the pursuit of Diomande, viewing him as a long-term solution for the right-wing position. The club’s recruitment team has monitored his development closely since his time in Spain with Leganes before his move to RB Leipzig, where he has registered 13 goals and six assists during the current Bundesliga season.
Liverpool’s interest in Diomande intensifies as they anticipate significant changes to their attacking lineup. With Salah expected to depart on a free transfer and Federico Chiesa also likely to leave, the Merseyside club plans to invest heavily in winger acquisitions this summer. At least one, and potentially two, high-caliber wingers are anticipated to join the squad.
The pursuit of Diomande places Liverpool in direct competition with Paris Saint-Germain, who have also entered the race for the teenager’s signature. Reports confirm that PSG, under the guidance of sporting director Luis Campos, have held preliminary discussions with Diomande’s representatives at Roc Nation Sports. However, Liverpool currently lead the race, with key decision-makers aligned on targeting the young Ivorian as Salah’s successor.
RB Leipzig value Diomande highly, with sources indicating a fee of approximately €100 million (£87 million) would be required to secure his transfer. The Bundesliga club, backed by Red Bull, regard him as their most exciting prospect since Erling Haaland and are prepared to offer improved contract terms to retain him. Despite Leipzig’s stance, Liverpool have signaled willingness to meet the valuation, considering Diomande a “Category A” signing essential for their post-Salah rebuild.
Florian Plettenberg, a respected German football journalist, reported via social media that Liverpool’s decision-makers are united in their assessment of Diomande as the ideal replacement for Salah. He noted that concrete talks are ongoing with the player’s representatives, though no formal agreement has been reached and club-to-club negotiations have not yet commenced.
Manchester United have also been linked with Diomande in recent rumors, adding further complexity to the race for his signature. However, Liverpool’s early and sustained scouting efforts — including identification during his spell in Spain — give them an advantage in the pursuit.
Diomande primarily operates from the right flank, mirroring Salah’s preferred position, and has demonstrated the attacking output Liverpool seek in a long-term replacement. His youth, combined with consistent Bundesliga performances, aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of investing in high-potential players capable of immediate impact and future growth.
The potential transfer represents a significant moment for Liverpool as they transition from the Salah era. While no official bid has been submitted and negotiations remain in early stages, the club’s clear focus on Diomande underscores their commitment to maintaining competitiveness following the departure of their all-time leading Premier League scorer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s pursuit of Diomande will be closely monitored, particularly given the financial implications and competition from PSG and other interested parties. The outcome could shape the club’s attacking identity for the next decade.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this transfer saga will be the opening of the official summer transfer window, when clubs can formally submit bids and begin negotiations. Until then, developments will depend on ongoing discussions between Liverpool, RB Leipzig, and Diomande’s representatives.
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