Real Madrid's 'Positive Talks' for Diomande Cast a Shadow Over Liverpool's Transfer Plans
Real Madrid have reportedly held 'positive talks' with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who had been a target for Liverpool earlier this summer. The Italian transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X, citing that Diomande 'has opened doors' to a potential move to the Spanish giants after 'positive talks took place over contract terms'.
A transfer update from Romano could have significant implications for Liverpool, considering the domino effect it may trigger. The Reds had been strongly linked with a move for Diomande throughout June, but it was later reported that the Ivory Coast international's preference was to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool's interest in Diomande seemed to have waned, with the club reportedly switching their attention to PSG forward Bradley Barcola. However, the pursuit of Barcola may yet be impacted by matters elsewhere, particularly Real Madrid's interest in Diomande.
The initial proposal from Real Madrid, amounting to €100m, was rejected by RB Leipzig, but the Spanish club are expected to go back to the Bundesliga club with an improved offer. This development could be bad news for Liverpool, as it may see the Champions League holders take a harder stance on Barcola, who they already value in excess of £125m.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's head coach, has been vocal about his desperation for the club to recruit another winger this summer. If that request goes unfulfilled, it would be a terrible indictment of the Merseyside hierarchy not to back the head coach when he's been so transparently crying out for reinforcements.
Liverpool's chances of signing either Diomande or Barcola, who seems more likely, would appear meagre if Real Madrid were to beat PSG to the punch. The Reds would be left with a scenario whereby neither of them end up at Anfield once the transfer window shuts.
The club's hierarchy will be closely monitoring the situation, as they weigh up their options for the remaining transfer window. With Andoni Iraola's request for a new winger going unfulfilled, the pressure will be on the club to deliver on their transfer plans before the window closes.
Source: Yahoo Sports
