With Mohamed Salah set to depart Liverpool over the summer, there is going to be an icon sized hole on the right wing heading into the summer transfer window.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes appear to be keenly aware of this, which makes Thursday's news that the Reds have formally made contact for exciting winger Yan Diomande all the more interesting.
While other big clubs, including the two-time defending European Champions PSG are interested, Liverpool are still considered a frontrunner for his signature.
Contact made between clubs
According to David Ornstein, Liverpool got in touch with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig to be begin talks over a possible move for the 19-year old.
Diomande contributed 13 goals and 10 assists across the board this season, which will only elevate the asking price of his current club in any negotiations.
Per Ornstein; "Liverpool have made contact with RB Leipzig as they step up their pursuit of forward Yan Diomande. The Merseyside club are also in the strongest position with the player over a potential deal at present."
It's interesting that Ornstein reiterated 'at present', because when clubs like PSG and Manchester City are circling, you never know when one could make a drastic move.
The giant need on the right side of the attack at Anfield is a big bargaining tool for Edwards and Co. in any talks with the player, as he would have a clear path to first team consistency.
It will be interesting to see if Ivory Coast makes an extended run at the 20226 World Cup, will we have to wait until their tournament ends to see this deal resolved? You know Liverpool wants to get it across the line before he kicks a ball in North America. A strong showing there and his already lofty price could rocket to the moon.
Leipzig will not sell cheap
The Red Bull side, fresh off a third place finish in the Bundesliga secured Champions League football, will not be eager to see their brightest young talent depart before he truly hits his peak levels.
That would explain the €120-€130 million valuation for Diomande by the German side. Those are huge numbers for a player that has only had one season of top level football under his belt, despite the Ivorian thriving in that season.
Liverpool did prove last summer they were willing to shell out big money, but to an extent, that backfired dramatically in a limp fifth place league finish. Would they do it again based on upside and not proven production, which is what we saw from Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak before they arrived.
The Reds sneaking into the Champions League next season is a huge help in their endeavors on this front, as without that influx of money, my guess is Diomande would be well out of price range.
Negotiations won't be easy, but Liverpool and Leipzig have done plenty of business together before, so it will be interesting to see if there is a discount given or not as talks roll on.
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