Klopp calls Diomande one of the world's best as Liverpool chase £87m Leipzig winger

Jurgen Klopp has publicly backed Liverpool’s reported pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, calling the 19-year-old “one of the best wingers in the world right now” while appearing as a pundit on German television ahead of Ivory Coast’s World Cup 2026 Group E clash against Germany.

Klopp, who left Anfield in 2024 and now serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull — giving him direct insight into Diomande’s development — was effusive in his praise alongside Bayern Munich icon Thomas Müller. “He is unstoppable in one-on-one situations,” Klopp said. “Nobody defends Diomande for 90 minutes.”

Liverpool are understood to have already lodged a bid for the Ivorian, which was rejected by Leipzig. The club are now weighing whether to return with an improved offer, with reports suggesting Diomande could command a fee of around €100 million (£87m) this summer. His arrival would follow the completed signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna and is seen as a key part of head coach Andoni Iraola’s rebuild — with Diomande viewed as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

The teenager is comfortable on either flank and caught the eye again in the World Cup group stage, setting up Ivory Coast’s opener against Germany before they fell to a stoppage-time defeat. He was substituted in the second half, replaced by former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.

Liverpool are not alone in their interest. PSG are also monitoring Diomande, though The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Luis Enrique’s side will only move if the player signals a desire to join them. No formal approach from Paris has yet been made.

Diomande himself has offered measured hints about his future. Speaking to Bein Sport this week, he acknowledged openness to the Premier League while indicating a decision would wait until after the World Cup concludes. His appeal is well-founded in numbers: the winger scored 12 goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign for Leipzig.

Klopp’s endorsement carries particular weight given his new role within the Red Bull network. His assessment — that opponents must force Diomande inside to have any hope of containing him — doubles as a tactical warning and a transfer advertisement, and Liverpool will be hoping it does not drive up the price further.