RB Leipzig ace opens contract negotiations after professing his admiration for Liverpool
Liverpool barely had time to savour their glorious 2024–25 campaign—ending with a record-matching 20th league crown—before major change arrived at Anfield. High-profile exits including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez reshaped the squad, while the devastating death of Diogo Jota in July cast a long shadow over the club.
Now deep into the 2025–26 season, the consequences are showing. A sweeping rebuild ushered in Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to refresh the frontline, Florian Wirtz to spark creativity, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to energise the flanks, and teenager Giovanni Leoni as one for the future. Goalkeeping depth was also addressed, with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman arriving to support Alisson Becker.
However, permanent departures of Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak, Caoimhin Kelleher and Tyler Morton have contributed to an uneven campaign. By early February 2026, Liverpool find themselves sixth in the Premier League on 39 points from 24 matches. While their goal difference sits at +6, defensive frailties have seen them concede more than during their title-winning season.
With uncertainty surrounding several senior contracts and further adjustments expected this summer—following the recent capture of Jeremy Jacquet—attention has shifted firmly toward recruitment. Liverpool’s scouting network is once again tracking promising young talent, and one name gaining traction is Yan Diomande.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has impressed since moving from Leganés to RB Leipzig last summer. Featuring 20 times this season, he has registered seven goals and five assists, per Opta figures via Sky Sports, catching the eye with his explosive speed and sharp cutting runs from the left.
Bayern Munich explored a move but were put off by Leipzig’s hefty €100m (£87m) asking price, according to The Athletic. While Leipzig are known for selling at the right moment, they remain reluctant to budge for now.
What truly fuels the speculation, though, is Diomande’s open affection for Liverpool. Speaking during a TikTok livestream, he admitted his desire to wear red, revealing it is also a dream shared by his father to see him play at Anfield.
Adding momentum to the story, the winger has recently changed representation, signing with Roc Nation Sports International—news confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. With several elite clubs monitoring his situation, the decision comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the summer window.
For Liverpool, Diomande could be an ideal fit in Arne Slot’s developing 4-2-3-1 system, offering rotation options alongside Gakpo or Ngumoha. Yet with financial constraints in play and Leipzig standing firm on valuation, the Reds face a tough call on whether he’s the catalyst needed to propel them back into the title race.
