Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande ahead of this summer’s transfer window and the German side have confirmed what it would take to sell
Liverpool have seen their hopes of signing Yan Diomande boosted with current side RB Leipzig needing a big sale heading into the summer. The Ivorian only joined the German club in the summer from Leganes but has hugely impressed.
Diomande, 19, has 11 goals and seven assists for Leipzig this season and that form has earned admiring glances from elsewhere including from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
And while Leipzig will be keen on keeping him for the foreseeable future, it appears that their hand might be forced. According to Sky in Germany, the Bundesliga side need to raise around €100million (£86.5m) even if they qualify for the Champions League.
One big sale - potentially Diomande or defender Castello Lukeba could be among those who may leave - while a host of smaller sales are not ruled out. If Leipzig miss out on a spot in the Champions League, then both Lukeba and Diomande could depart.
As it stands, Leipzig sit fifth in the Bundesliga table but are only outside of the top four on goal difference. Diomande has over four years left to run on his contract with the club.
The teenager has already spoken out on a potential move to Liverpool, having disputed reports that the Reds are a ‘dream’ destination for him at some point in the future. He said: "People made it out to be my dream club. But first and foremost, it's my dad's favourite club.
"It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield. He always raved about Steven Gerrard.
"I was too young to see him play. We didn't even have a TV at home for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig."
One link to the Reds is of course former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who remains as Red Bull’s head of global soccer. While Diomande is familiar with the German, he has confirmed that a potential switch to Anfield has never been on the agenda.
He said: "No, not that. But we talk every now and then. He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was always my dream to play on one of his teams.
"That's not quite possible now. But being so close to him now, talking to him, shaking his hand, it's incredible. He's a legend. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie."