Liverpool's €100m Diomande dream is back on after official statement

Updated: 15 Jul 2026 12:09 BST | 4 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

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Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool squad is starting to come together, and the new manager can still dream of adding Yan Diomande to his ranks following an official message from RB Leipzig boss Martin Dimichelis.

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Diomande has been outlined as Liverpool’s dream summer signing following the departure of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer. Following a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old has become one of European football’s hottest prospects.

Leipzig have been hopeful that they could tie Ivory Coast international down to a new contract, seemingly rejecting any prospect of a transfer this summer out of hand, yet comments made by the Bundesliga side’s coach indicate that he is not necessarily counting on one of his star men for next season.

Current ETV

Ousmane Diomande

D (C)

Sporting

Ousmane Diomande

D (C)

Sporting

ETV Range

€38.5M - €47M

“Yan has a contract and he has to come back,” Demichelis told the media (via RBLive). “But in football, a lot can happen overnight.”

Sport Bild also reports that a sale is not ruled out by Leipzig, albeit the club will only consider this if Diomande is loaned immediately back to them for the following season.

It adds that Liverpool are the only side to have bid for the winger to date. Leipzig rejected an offer worth €100 million, which included €20m in bonuses.

Liverpool lead Barcola race

Even if PSG were to beat Liverpool to the signing of Diomande, that could potentially open up the possibility of the Anfield side signing Bradley Barcola from the two-time Champions League winners.

Despite facing competition on this front from Arsenal, Fabrizio Romano says the Reds lead the way for the France star.

“Will he leave? That depends on the amount of money clubs are prepared to put on the table,” he told his YouTube channel.

“He remains on Liverpool's shortlist.

“He is also one of the names Arsenal have under consideration, although Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal's number one target.

“For Liverpool, Barcola has been a top target since last summer.

“They still want the player and are waiting to understand the final financial package.

“The interest is strong and Barcola is not untouchable because he isn't negotiating a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.”

© IMAGO - Bradley Barcola in World Cup action with France

Cody Gakpo plan confirmed

Cody Gakpo’s future has been thrown into doubt by the volume of transfer speculation about a new winger.

The Netherlands international, though, does not find his future under threat, according to a report from TalkSport.

Tottenham hold an interest in the 27-year-old, but have been told by the Anfield side that he is off limits.

The report reiterates that Liverpool are still seeking to add to their wide options, which combined with the statements coming from Leipzig, suggest that a deal for Diomande is not yet dead.