Report: Liverpool could save millions on 'remarkable' summer transfer target on one condition
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RB Leipzig May Accept Less Than £80m for Liverpool Target Yan Diomande If Club Miss Out on Champions League
RB Leipzig could lower their asking price for highly-rated winger Yan Diomande to under £80 million if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, presenting Liverpool with a potential bargain in the summer transfer window[1][2]. The 19-year-old Ivorian sensation, who joined Leipzig from LaLiga last summer, has exploded onto the scene with 8 goals and 4 assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, leading Europe's top five leagues in successful dribbles per match (3.5 average), ahead of even Barcelona's Lamine Yamal[1].
Liverpool, reigning Premier League champions, lead the race for Diomande as they seek a long-term replacement for Luis Diaz, who departed for Bayern Munich last summer, amid concerns over Mohamed Salah's future[2][4]. Scouts from Anfield were spotted at Leipzig's recent 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg, where Diomande earned Man of the Match honors, outpacing rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham[1][2]. Reports suggest Liverpool are the most advanced suitors, with officials conducting due diligence in Germany, though his fee could reach £87-100 million for elite talents[2][4][7].
Diomande downplayed Liverpool links in a BILD interview, clarifying it's his father's "dream club" due to Anfield's atmosphere and Steven Gerrard fandom, not his own. "I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig," he said, emphasizing loyalty: "I'll never argue with my club... if I stay here in the summer, I'll be absolutely happy"[1][3][4]. Despite this, Fabrizio Romano predicts a "crazy battle" come summer, with Leipzig's Oliver Mintzlaff hinting he might stay another year[3]. His contract runs to 2030 without a release clause, but mutual understanding exists for an eventual exit[5].
Leipzig's rollercoaster Bundesliga campaign—currently on the edge of European spots—could force a price drop below their £80m+ valuation if Champions League revenue slips away, allowing Liverpool to save millions on this "remarkable" dribbling dynamo[1][5].
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