Lothar Matthaus Questions Liverpool Move for RB Leipzig Star Diomande
Liverpool’s summer recruitment plans continue to gather intrigue, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande emerging as a name linked to Anfield. Yet one of German football’s most respected voices, Lothar Matthaus, has publicly cautioned Bayern Munich against pursuing the teenager, a stance that could indirectly influence Liverpool’s pursuit of the highly rated attacker.
According to reporting from the Daily Mirror, Matthaus has expressed scepticism over the scale of investment required to prise Diomande away from Leipzig, where the Ivorian forward has enjoyed a sparkling debut campaign.
The former Germany captain believes Bayern Munich should resist paying what he perceives to be an inflated valuation. Speaking to Bild, Matthaus said: “It’s said that Leipzig would only be willing to negotiate for Diomande if an offer of €100 million arrives. For a player who can’t get past Díaz right now, that’s too expensive. Bayern can save that money.”
The remarks underline a growing narrative around Diomande’s rapid rise. With nine goals and six assists in 24 appearances since joining Leipzig from Leganés, the 19-year-old has caught attention across Europe. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are understood to be monitoring attacking reinforcements amid long-term planning around their forward line.
Matthaus also pointed Bayern towards an alternative target, adding: “I’ve heard Bayern are interested in Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré. That kind of signing would make sense to me. Touré has shown at TSG that he has potential. He could develop behind (Luis) Díaz and be built for the future.”
Liverpool Interest Grows Amid Leipzig Breakthrough
Liverpool’s scouting network has increasingly targeted young, high-ceiling attackers, echoing their recruitment of emerging talents across Europe. Diomande fits that mould perfectly: explosive pace, a direct dribbling profile and the versatility to operate across the frontline.
The Daily Mirror report notes that Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. Bayern Munich’s interest highlights Diomande’s standing within the Bundesliga, where Leipzig have once again proved adept at identifying and nurturing elite young players.
From a tactical perspective, Diomande’s attributes align with Slot’s fluid 2-3-5 attacking shape that has defined Liverpool’s best performances this season. The side’s issues with “cut-through” in tight defensive blocks—discussed frequently across Anfield Index’s The Red Room—make a dynamic wide player an appealing option.
Diomande Comments On Liverpool Links
The player himself has attempted to dampen speculation, clarifying his stance on a potential move. As quoted by the Daily Mirror, Diomande 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.”
He added: “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.”
The winger also revealed his relationship with Jürgen Klopp, stating: “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.”
Strategic Decision Facing Liverpool Recruitment Team
Liverpool’s recruitment staff now face a familiar calculation: invest heavily in a teenage star or seek value elsewhere. The club’s history offers precedents on both sides, from transformative signings like Mohamed Salah to measured investments in younger prospects.
Matthaus’ warning may not deter Liverpool entirely, but it adds weight to the debate over Diomande’s price tag. Leipzig’s €100m stance reflects both their negotiating power and Diomande’s trajectory, yet Liverpool’s model under Slot has remained disciplined.
For supporters and analysts alike, the question is not simply whether Diomande is talented—his Bundesliga numbers suggest he is—but whether Liverpool can secure him at a price consistent with their long-term squad building.
As the summer window approaches, this story looks set to evolve, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Leipzig all playing a part in one of the market’s most intriguing developing sagas.
