Liverpool are likely to have already finalised their transfer strategy for the summer, but it remains unclear whether Yan Diomande will emerge as a concrete target. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the RB Leipzig star, who could become one of Europe's most coveted players.
Reports in German publication Sport Bild recently suggested that Liverpool had already held discussions with Leipzig regarding a potential transfer for Diomande when the summer window opens. There have also been claims widely circulated that Diomande, who remains under contract at Leipzig until 2030, is valued at approximately €100 million (£87m) by the Bundesliga outfit.
It remains uncertain what lies ahead for Diomande, and Liverpool have now been made aware of the 19-year-old's current market valuation. The CIES Football Observatory have crunched the numbers and have estimated Diomande's present value at somewhere between €88m (£76m) and €102m (£88m), reports the Liverpool Echo.
Diomande has enjoyed a stellar campaign at Leipzig, netting 13 goals across all competitions, including 12 in the Bundesliga. Should Diomande maintain that outstanding form for another season, as Leipzig hope, then it would be highly probable that his valuation will rise in 12 months' time.
It would not mark the first occasion in recent memory that Liverpool have turned to the Bundesliga to bolster their squad - should they attempt to sign Diomande - having done precisely that just last year. Liverpool secured Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal potentially rising to £116m with add-ons, while Hugo Ekitike joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a transfer that could climb to £79m.
Both players have since established themselves as integral figures in Arne Slot's squad, and Liverpool would be hoping that Diomande would follow suit should they attempt to bring the Ivory Coast international to Anfield during the summer transfer window.
Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff recently addressed the speculation swirling around Diomande's future and explained why he would be eager to retain the forward at Leipzig beyond this summer. “I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us,” Mintzlaff is quoted as telling Sky Germany. “No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.”
“Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain,” he added. “But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn't leave again after just one year. Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we'll have to see how he develops.”
He continued: “We want to play in the Champions League. And that's naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he's shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level. So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I'm completely relaxed about the whole matter.”
