Liverpool ready £86m bid for Diomande after teenager torments Germany at World Cup

Liverpool are ready to submit an £86million bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international turned in a commanding performance against Germany at the World Cup, with the club having already opened weeks of dialogue with the German club.

Diomande assisted Ivory Coast’s goal in the 2-1 defeat, delivering the cross that led to Franck Kessie breaking the deadlock. The teenager had also impressed in Ivory Coast’s opening group fixture against Ecuador, though Amad’s 90th-minute winner grabbed most of the attention in that match.

ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright were both struck by Diomande’s impact against Germany. Speaking at half-time, Neville highlighted the damage the winger was causing down the left flank. “On the counter-attack, they’ve got massive strength down that left-hand side with Diomande,” he said. “He’s been absolutely brilliant.”

Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson noted that Diomande had caused Germany’s experienced right-back Joshua Kimmich significant problems. “He’s had a fantastic game, and Kimmich has really struggled against him,” Ferguson said, with Neville adding: “He’s one of the most experienced right-backs in the world, and he’s toiling in this first half.”

Wright was equally emphatic. “He looks afraid of him,” he said of Kimmich, before elaborating on Diomande’s all-round display. “He’s definitely lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant; he’s just absolutely tearing them to pieces.”

Neville also pointed to the tactical headache Diomande posed, noting that Germany were committing three or four players to contain him — and that even that was not always sufficient.

Liverpool have accelerated their pursuit of the winger in recent days. Having already secured the signing of Victor Munoz, the club have communicated their willingness to meet Leipzig’s valuation and are now prepared to formalise their interest with a concrete offer.