Liverpool have decided not to revive their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, despite intermediaries testing whether the Reds would return to the table.
The decision may frustrate supporters hoping for another explosive attacker, but it shows the club are unwilling to chase a player whose priority appears to be Real Madrid.
Liverpool still need more pace, dribbling and depth on the flanks after reshaping their forward line. Their window has already brought in defender Jérémy Jacquet and attacker Víctor Muñoz, yet a high-level winger remains one of the clearest gaps in Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Liverpool rejected a second chance for Diomande after being approached by intermediaries, who were testing if the Reds would re-enter the race following negotiations between Madrid and Leipzig slowing down.
Both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain refused to re-enter the race because they believe the 19-year-old remains fully committed to joining the Spanish giants.
Madrid have already agreed personal terms with the Ivory Coast international, but the transfer has been delayed by discussions over the structure of the add-ons.
Liverpool previously viewed Diomande as an ideal long-term option on either wing, however, returning now would risk wasting valuable time and potentially increasing Leipzig’s demands without changing the player’s preferred destination.
The Liverpool have turned their attention towards Bradley Barcola, who has emerged as a leading attacking target, providing the speed, direct running and one-on-one threat Iraola still needs.
Walking away is the correct decision, as Diomande is an outstanding talent, but spending more than €100 million on someone waiting for Madrid would be poor planning.
Liverpool should use their resources on a winger who genuinely sees Anfield as the first choice rather than a backup destination.
