Diomande clarifies Liverpool 'dream' claim as Barcola emerges as Salah replacement target

Yan Diomande has distanced himself from suggestions that Liverpool is his dream club, clarifying that his widely-circulated TikTok comment last November was made out of love for his father rather than personal ambition — even as the RB Leipzig winger remains one of the Reds’ primary transfer targets this summer.

Diomande, 19, had previously said: “I have one dream, I want to play at Anfield. I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big fan of Liverpool.” The clip spread quickly, fuelling speculation that a move to Merseyside was his preferred destination. But speaking to Bild, the winger offered a more measured explanation.

“People made it out to be my dream club, but first and foremost, it’s my dad’s favourite club,” Diomande said. “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. I was too young to see him play. We didn’t even have a TV at home for a long time.”

Despite the clarification, Liverpool’s interest in Diomande remains serious. The club are reported to be the frontrunner for his signature, with a valuation of around £87 million currently under discussion between the two clubs. New manager Andoni Iraola is understood to be keen to open formal negotiations with Leipzig.

Diomande is not the only wide player on Liverpool’s radar. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola has also been identified as a potential signing, with reports linking the France international to Anfield as the club look to address the long-term question of life after Mohamed Salah. PSG are said to be open to a sale if they can secure a suitable replacement of their own.

Seven Liverpool players are currently involved in the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch are representing the Netherlands, while Florian Wirtz is in action for Germany, Alisson for Brazil, and Alexander Isak for Sweden. Wataru Endo had been set to feature for Japan but withdrew from the squad due to a foot injury, ruling out a potential meeting with van Dijk when the two nations face each other in the group stage.