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Analysis
- 23 minutes ago
Confirmed: Liverpool want to sign €100m Cody Gakpo replacement
Cameron Smith
- 13 Feb 2026 09:23 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Liverpool have earmarked RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a top target for the 2026 summer transfer window amid Cody Gakpo’s struggles so far this season.
The Netherlands international has been handed a more prominent role this campaign following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, but his form has been widely criticised by Reds fans over the past few months.
Current ETV
Yan Diomande
F (RL)
RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande
F (RL)
RB Leipzig
ETV Range
€23M - €28.1M
Gakpo has only scored five goals and provided three assists in 24 Premier League games this term and he has failed to register a single goal contribution in his last six English top flight appearances.
Despite this, Arne Slot has been reluctant to call upon Federico Chiesa or talented youngster Rio Ngumoha, with Gakpo a frequent figure in Liverpool’s starting XI across all competitions.
However, the reigning Premier League champions are keen to bolster their options out wide this summer amid Gakpo’s dip in form and concerns that Mohamed Salah’s illustrious career at Anfield could come to an end ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Several targets have already been identified by the Liverpool hierarchy and the club are keen to win an extremely competitive race for the aforementioned Diomande’s signature.
Yan Diomande to join Liverpool?
Diomande has notched 14 goals and assists in 23 games for Leipzig since his arrival at the club last summer and he is being closely watched by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Liverpool are also eager to sign him too and rumours have suggested that a move to Anfield could be on the cards if the Reds are willing to match Leipzig’s €100 million asking price.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch has now confirmed that Diomande has been added to the club’s transfer wishlist for this summer.
Speaking to Anfield Index, he said: “A few years ago you’d say he’s only 19, he’s not got very many games behind him at all, not a big record of production but Liverpool kind of have to move earlier now because everybody else is moving earlier.
“Previously I would have said he’s not ready for Liverpool to spend big money on him now, but it’s very hard to predict that these days because the whole kind of approach has changed a little bit and they’re willing to go a little bit earlier.”
Lynch added: “Definitely Diomande is being watched really closely. That’s not to guarantee they will go for him, but he’s definitely on Liverpool’s radar, but he’s on the radar of a lot of clubs.
“I can guarantee that he’s definitely being watched. The wing position is something Liverpool are eyeing now, I’d be surprised if next summer passes without a winger being added.
“So, he’s on that radar but it’s kind of up to him now to keep that level going to keep showing he’s ready to make that jump.”
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