‘Yes’ – Fabrizio Romano fuels talk of potential ‘big-money’ departure for ‘outstanding’ Liverpool target
Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a winger on Liverpool’s radar is expected to leave his current club during the summer transfer window, while playing down the likelihood of any move taking place in January.
Liverpool are one of several sides linked with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, and last week German journalist Christian Falk stressed (via CF Bayern Insider) that the Premier League champions should be regarded as “very, very serious” contenders for the 19-year-old’s signature.
TEAMtalk reports that the Ivory Coast international – who has featured in all five of his country’s matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations – could be valued at up to £104m. Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to cash in, with Diomande tied to a contract running until 2030.
Romano points towards a summer move
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stopped short of naming Liverpool directly but made it clear he expects Diomande’s future to be decided later in the year.
“If you ask me whether Yan Diomande will move in the summer, my answer is yes,” Romano explained.
“But if you ask me about January, that’s much more difficult. Leipzig have already brought in significant money – Openda, Sesko, Xavi Simons – so they don’t need to sell now. In the summer, though, the situation could change.”
Diomande’s standout campaign
The teenager has impressed throughout the season for Leipzig, registering seven goals and four assists in 17 appearances. Beyond the raw numbers, his all-round game has drawn widespread praise.
Thales Paterson, former Director of Soccer at DME Academy where Diomande developed, has labelled him “nothing short of exceptional”, calling him both a “gifted athlete” and a “team player”. Leipzig head coach Ole Werner has also highlighted his dynamism and effectiveness in counterpressing.
Data from FBref underlines that reputation, showing Diomande ranking among the elite in Europe’s top five leagues across a wide range of attacking and defensive metrics for his position over the past year.
Comfortable on either wing, Diomande would offer Liverpool a highly versatile attacking option and could even be viewed as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Should the Reds press ahead, he could follow the well-trodden Leipzig-to-Anfield path of Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai.
As Romano’s comments suggest, a summer transfer appears increasingly likely, with a fierce battle expected to secure the signature of one of Europe’s most exciting young wide players.
