Liverpool 'identifies Yan Diomande alternative' after $57M teenager's Premier League interest
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Liverpool is stepping up its pursuit of Yan Diomande this summer, but with RB Leipzig demanding big money, the Reds could have their eye on an alternative optionYan Diomande continues to be pursued by Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool may have another new name to be on the lookout for this summer, with reports indicating that the Reds have identified a possible alternative to Yan Diomande.Having completed the signing of Victor Munoz this week after hijacking Newcastle’s attempts to sign the 22-year-old, Liverpool is continuing in its pursuit of Diomande as it aims to add to both sides of its attack.The Reds are ready to do a deal worth around $115 million (€100M), with some reports in Germany even suggesting that a first bid has been made. Liverpool has a strong working relationship with RB Leipzig from previous transfers, although the Bundesliga side is keen to retain Diomande’s services.If Leipzig gets its way, then Liverpool will be forced to look at alternative options, and journalist Ben Jacobs has shared three names that are claimed to be on the club’s shortlist.Among them is 19-year-old Said El Mala, who has already been linked with a move to the Premier League.
The Cologne winger scored 13 goals and added five assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances during the 2025/26 season.That has led to interest coming from Brighton, although the Seagulls have reportedly already had a number of approaches rebuffed, with Cologne looking for around $57M for his services.Said El Mala is reportedly being eyed up as an alternative to Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)What’s more, El Mala’s family is claimed to have vetoed a move to Brentford, but more Premier League interest could be on the way should Liverpool fail to get a deal for Diomande over the line.Also named as alternatives are Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, while Bradley Barcola has been looked at, although Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t appear keen to let the French international go.Talks are continuing with Leipzig over Diomande, with the winger’s current club determined to hold out for as high a price as possible if it is to part ways with its prized possession.Diomande avoided questions over his future as he spoke at the World Cup ahead of Ivory Coast’s next game against Germany on Saturday, although he did namecheck Liverpool star Florian Wirtz as he discussed his development in the Bundesliga.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."This has been an amazing year for me,” Diomande said.
“I'm grateful for everything that's happening to me and I'm just going to continue to give my best on the pitch.“When you play in Germany, you quickly see that everything there is very structured. Add to that their individual quality."That makes them very strong.