Liverpool have made contact with RB Leipzig as they step up their pursuit of forward Yan Diomande, according to The Athletic.
The Merseyside club are understood to be in the strongest position to sign the 19-year-old, although Leipzig have repeatedly insisted he is not for sale.
The Bundesliga side are believed to value Diomande at more than €130million (£112.4m), a figure Liverpool may be reluctant to meet given their significant spending over the past year and other priorities in the transfer market.
Diomande, who joined Leipzig from Leganes in 2025, is under contract until 2030 and does not have a release clause. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City also admire the Ivory Coast international, but Liverpool are currently considered the frontrunners.
The teenager enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, registering 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances to help Leipzig secure Champions League qualification.
Speaking about transfer speculation last month, Yan Diomande admitted the interest from major clubs was motivating.
“Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job … you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more,” he said.
“I don’t think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything, but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.”
Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcements has grown following Mohamed Salah’s departure, while Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss a significant portion of next season through injury. Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave the club.
Diomande’s pace, direct running and versatility make him an attractive option for Liverpool as they look to add greater threat in wide areas. At 19, he also fits the club’s long-term recruitment strategy of investing in elite young talent.
The main obstacle remains the cost. Reports suggest a deal could exceed £85 million, but Liverpool believe Diomande possesses the qualities to transform their attack for years to come.
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