Liverpool steps up pursuit of $115M transfer target who could replace Mohamed Salah

Liverpool is reportedly one of two clubs in the running to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain the only remaining rivals after both sides held meetings with the 19-year-old's agents

Liverpool is reportedly eying Yan Diomande as Mohamed Salah's replacement(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liverpool has reportedly held talks with the representatives of Yan Diomande over a potential summer move, as their quest to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah continues.

The Egyptian winger is set to depart Anfield at the end of the season after an extraordinary nine-year spell at the club. With a staggering tally of 257 goals and 122 assists from the wing, however, filling his boots will be no straightforward task.

One player the Reds appear to have pinned their hopes on is 19-year-old Diomande, who has flourished in the Bundesliga since last year, racking up 12 goals and 17 assists for Die Roten Bullen in this season alone. According to BILD, Liverpool is among several top clubs currently keeping a close eye on Diomande's situation.

However, with the German outfit keen to retain his services for at least another year, any deal is unlikely to come at a bargain price.

Reports indicate that a price tag of approximately $115 million has been placed on the Ivorian international. Yet that has done little to discourage a number of clubs — Liverpool included — from continuing their pursuit.

However, Barcelona has reportedly withdrawn from the race due to financial difficulties, while other European heavyweights linked with an interest will undoubtedly struggle to produce the funds required.

It is understood that the Reds and Paris Saint-Germain have both held meetings with the player's agents, with both clubs said to be "particularly interested" despite neither having yet submitted a formal offer. Manchester United was also rumored to be keen on the player, though it is understood their interest has since waned.

Salah will leave Liverpool this summer after spending nine years at Anfield(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)

One potential avenue to persuade Leipzig into a deal could involve agreeing on a slightly reduced fee, while allowing Diomande to remain at the club for the forthcoming season before officially making the switch to Anfield next summer.

Such an arrangement would suit all parties involved, as RB Leipzig would benefit from retaining their key man for another campaign, while the player himself would have further opportunity to develop before his arrival on Merseyside.

Nevertheless, Liverpool would still face the challenge of being short-handed following Salah's departure, with no immediate replacement in sight. While the club could rely on the likes of Rio Ngumoha, who has shown flashes of promise this season, the 17-year-old is far from a finished product.

This comes at a time when Liverpool has several areas requiring attention this summer. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for up to nine months due to an Achilles tendon rupture, the board would be prudent to bring in a backup striker to Alexander Isak, who has also endured his own injury difficulties this season.

Additionally, the club may look to strengthen defensively, particularly given that Virgil van Dijk will be 35 years of age when the 2026/27 season gets underway. Micky van de Ven could be one target that the club looks to pursue should Tottenham Hotspur find themselves relegated to the Championship, though, given Spurs are in no hurry to part with the center-back, any potential deal is unlikely to come at a bargain price.

Liverpool may also face fierce competition from a host of rival clubs, with Manchester United entering the running for his signature this week.