Leipzig hold firm on Diomande: a no to Liverpool

Premier League giants Liverpool, who have identified young star Yann Diomande as Mohamed Salah's successor, are running into continued resistance from RB Leipzig. Per Bild, the German side turned down Liverpool's €100 million bid for the Ivory Coast winger and showed their determination to keep the 19-year-old for one more season.

Liverpool's opening bid put on the table was made up of €90 million guaranteed and up to €10 million in add-ons (a total of €100 million). But RB Leipzig treated this as an informal proposal and rejected it. The German club value Diomande internally at up to €130 million; in particular, the player's performances at the 2026 World Cup, including his effective display against Germany, are thought to be capable of pushing this price even higher.

It is stated that Liverpool will not settle for this rejection and are preparing a more aggressive second bid soon. Per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are trying their best financially to get the player fully on their side and will table an offer above €100 million. Romano said: "Liverpool will be very aggressive. They will bid more than €100 million. It's going to be a big proposal to try to change the situation." But Bild claims that even if the second bid reaches €120 million, Leipzig are not ready to accept it.

The fate of this transfer depends largely on Diomande's decision over his future. Every indication so far is that the young player is keen to join Liverpool if a deal can be struck. The Athletic's David Ornstein said Liverpool are "in the driving seat" on personal terms with the player. Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Diomande, but the French side are reportedly unwilling to meet Leipzig's high fee demand. On Leipzig's side, a new and improved contract offer running to 2030 is also on the table for the player.

Source: Bild
Image: Foot Mercato