A long-standing interest in RB Leipzig's sensational teenager Yan Diomande looked as though it was edging towards a successful conclusion for the Reds.
Liverpool were ready to launch another offer
Although the Bundesliga outfit had recently turned down a reported €100m/£86.6m for the player, it was believed that Liverpool would shortly return with an improved offer that would suit all parties.
Given that Diomande was, and has been for a while, their number one target to replace Salah, the Anfield-based outfit couldn't countenance letting him slip through their fingers.
Unfortunately for Andoni Iraola and the Liverpool board, the player himself has ruled out a move to the Premier League giants, and has, apparently, decided to move to current European champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
That's despite an understanding that the Reds had offered better personal terms to the player than the serial Ligue 1 winners, who have remained in the background throughout Liverpool's pursuit.
Where would Diomande slot in at PSG?
Since Luis Enrique took over at the Parc des Princes, the club have gone on to win their first two Champions League trophies, whilst consistently dominating domestically.
Laudable in itself, but more so when you consider that the success has come without the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi in situ.
The continued good form from the likes of current Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Vitinha et al, has ensured that PSG have now become one of the go-to destinations for young and hungry players, something they've not always been.
If the deal for Diomande reaches a successful conclusion, it will be very interesting indeed to see where Luis Enrique decides to slot him in.
Barcola to be moved on?
Although there are strong rumours that Bradley Barcola could be moved on this summer, Kvaratskhelia has generally been the first choice on the left side of a front three when he's fit and available for selection.
Whilst there's absolutely no doubting Diomande's talent, it's difficult to see the 19-year-old being preferred over and above the Georgian unless it's as a rotation option.
There's a similar problem on the right as Dembele has made that position his own and, if the French side go on to win the World Cup, another Ballon d'Or might well be making its way to Paris once more.
Assuming the signing is to help ensure continuing improvement in terms of strength in depth, and the opportunity for Luis Enrique to chop and change in any position he sees fit without a drop-off in quality, what are PSG getting for their money?
Sensational return in his first full season
13 goals and nine assists in your first full season in elite professional football (he played only 10 games for Leganes in 2024/25), from a wide left position, is a stunning return, and only Christoph Baumgartner in the Leipzig side had more goal contributions in 2025/26.
Eight fast breaks not only evidenced his pace, but were just one off Conrad Harder's nine, which were the most of any player in the squad last season.
Diomande's economy in front of goal has been sensational, with his shooting accuracy of 62.22% and shot conversion rate of 22.41% both comfortably being the best showing.
Only Baumgartner, Antonio Nusa and Romulo had more than Diomande's 58 total shots, with Baumgartner (40) the only player to get more on target than the 19-year-old's 28.
Liverpool's pain will be PSG's gain
No one created as many chances as the winger's 56 from open play during the season, and an 84.04% pass completion rate puts him in the upper bracket in terms of the whole squad.
For passes ending in the final third, however, no Leipzig player attempted more than Diomande's 584, nor completed as many as his 456.
He's no slouch when it comes to defensive aspects either; only David Raum (167) made more than the youngster's 162 ball recoveries.
Diomande was once again at the top of the class when it came to one-on-one duels, given that no player was involved in more than his 432, with Baumgartner, who was second in the list, exactly 50 behind.
22 tackles won from 34 attempted is the only area where he found himself 'in the pack' as it were, and whilst Luis Enrique will surely expect maximum effort, the Spaniard will clearly understand that Diomande's forte is at the other end of the pitch.
Liverpool's pain is very evidently going to be PSG's gain.
Jason Pettigrove has been the features writer for Flashscore since 2025, utilising Opta data to form the basis of his articles. He has previously worked for high profile football clubs, news and media outlets, both in print and digital, and can usually be found watching FC Barcelona when time permits. You can read more of his pieces here.
