As the January transfer window races towards its final stages, Liverpool don’t appear to be in too much of a panic.
Reds fans have watched Arne Slott’s struggling side miss out on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, who have joined rivals Manchester City, but FSG will say they have decided not to sign either of them.
It remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions will jump on the market opportunity until the end of the month, but it’s only for a unique player and it’s an opportunity too good to pass up.
Liverpool leads the race to attract elite talent
The last five weeks have been a bit of an eyesore for Liverpool. Despite halting a rot that saw them lose nine games in 12 games, a subsequent 12-game unbeaten run didn’t satisfy most people’s appetites.
Florian Wertz has at least stepped up a gear, but the likes of Kodi Gakpo have struggled to make an impression and fans are clamoring for a new left-sided winger.
Semenyo would have been ideal, but the Ghanaian joined Man City. And anyway, perhaps Liverpool have identified an even more exciting target.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds are believed to be leading the race to sign RB Leipzig winger Yann Diomande, who is being offered a staggering £104 million by the Bundesliga side.
Tottenham are also determined to sign the Ivorian talent, but Liverpool’s financial and sporting advantages over their Premier League rivals could lead to their need for such high profile making a deal.
Leipzig hope to keep the 19-year-old until the end of the season, but Diomande has identified Anfield as his dream destination and is keen on a winter move.
How Diomande could become a Liverpool superstar
Return the scale to December 2017. FSG has approved a world record move for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, seen as a useful asset in manager Jurgen Klopp’s quest for greatness.
It turned out to be a good idea. Diomande would cost a significant amount of money to sign, but he also has an exceptional skillset that has the potential to develop into one of the best wingers in Europe.
Perhaps it’s more accurate to focus on another former Saints prospect here. Liverpool could potentially sign a new version of Sadio Mane in Diomand, whose speed and physicality combine with rare suitability in front of goal.
He only joined Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes last summer, but with seven goals and three assists in all competitions in the lead up to the high-profile AFCON tournament against Ivory Coast, there is no doubt that the teenager is the real deal.
Mane, 33, has not been with Liverpool in recent years but was undoubtedly one of Klopp’s most dangerous lieutenants, playing a deadly role on the left flank.
Mane arguably reached his peak through the 2021/22 season, finishing runner-up in the Ballon d’Or standings that year.
A formidable finisher with natural talent and a combative side, the Senegalese, who led his team to glory at this month’s African Cup of Nations, was once described by Klopp as a “world-class” superstar.
League comparison – Sadio Mane vs Yann Diomande | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per match) | Mane (21/22) | Diomand (25/26) |
Match (start) | 34(32) | 16(11) |
the goal | 16 | 6 |
assist | 2 | 2 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 2.9 (1.1) | 1.6 (0.9) |
missed a big opportunity | 13 | 3 |
exact path | 23.6 (77%) | 21.8 (83%) |
Opportunities created* | 1.3 | 1.3 |
Successful. dribble* | 1.4 | 2.8 |
Tackle* | 1.0 | 0.9 |
Win a duel* | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Data via Sofascore | ||
A look at Diomande’s performance in the Bundesliga this year shows how contrasting he is, which suggests he has what it takes to become a new version of the Merseysiders.
Let’s scale it back a little. In fact, Diomando ranks in the top 3% of his position across Europe for goals and progressive passing over the past year, in the top 14% for tackles won and in the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90, according to data-driven platform FBref.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball moves toward the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from the starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
This is a truly special winger whose abilities are not yet fully formed.
Described by journalist Bence Boksak as a “generational talent,” it’s exciting to think Diomand is still in the early stages of his career, but there’s already so much excitement about his level.
Liverpool need a quick-footed winger with an eye for goal, and Diomande could be a new version of Mane on Merseyside.
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