Liverpool are edging closer to securing the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with sources close to the 19-year-old confirming he is ready to agree a move to Anfield this summer, according to a report from TEAMtalk cited by FourFourTwo.

The Ivory Coast teenager has emerged as Liverpool's primary target to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah, who confirmed in March that this season would be his last at the club — despite having signed a two-year contract extension the previous summer. Salah, 33, is widely reported to have fallen out of favour with manager Arne Slot in recent months.

A long road to the top

Diomande's route to becoming one of European football's most coveted teenagers has been far from straightforward. After trials with Chelsea and Rangers, he spent time in the fifth tier of Spanish football with Leganés' B team before earning a move to RB Leipzig in January 2025.

FourFourTwo's Joe Donnohue, who profiled Diomande in the publication's The Boy's A Bit Special series, described a player who has always been an early developer and uses his physicality to great effect, drifting past opponents with apparent ease while remaining diligent out of possession — qualities that draw obvious comparisons with Salah.

Fee and competition from Leipzig

RB Leipzig are understood to value their winger at up to €100 million — approximately £87 million — though Liverpool will push to reduce that figure. FourFourTwo understands Diomande has been on Liverpool's radar for well over a year, with his tactical flexibility cited as a key reason for the club's sustained interest.

Leipzig, however, are reportedly keen to tie Diomande to a longer-term contract with a release clause rather than sell outright — a strategy they employed with Benjamin Sesko when Arsenal came calling in 2024, only to eventually sell the striker to Manchester United for a higher fee in 2025.

Building on Bundesliga success

Liverpool's confidence in recruiting from the Bundesliga was boosted last summer when Hugo Ekitike arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million. The French forward scored 17 goals before his campaign ended early due to an Achilles rupture sustained against Paris Saint-Germain. The club will hope Diomande can replicate that impact.

Liverpool are expected to be busy across several positions this summer, with investment planned in goal, at centre-back, left-back, defensive midfield, and attack. Diomande is valued at €75 million according to Transfermarkt, and is set to be the club's first confirmed purchase of the window if an agreement is finalised.