Barcelona are closing in on a move for one of Liverpool’s transfer targets, but the Reds could be about to do the same to the Spanish giants
12:58, 22 Apr 2026Updated 12:59, 22 Apr 2026
Liverpool look to be among the frontunners in the transfer race for Yan Diomande.(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Liverpool could get immediate revenge on Barcelona after appearing to miss out on a deal for Alessandro Bastoni. The Reds are one of the clus leading the race for Yan Diomande.
Arne Slot’s men were one of the clubs reportedly showing an interest in Inter’s Bastoni. But Barcelona appear to be closing in on a deal for the centre-back.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the foundations of an agreement between the player and Barcelona are already in place, with the final approval from manager Hansi Flick still needed. It’s added that Bastoni is willing to do ‘everything possible’ to make sure the move goes through.
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Liverpool will be keen to strengthen their central defensive options in the summer, having missed out on a late move for Marc Guehi last year.
Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Anfield, having completed a move back in January, and Ibrahima Konaté is close to signing a new deal with the club.
That eases the pressure slightly, meaning that eyes could possibly turn to other positions. RB Leipzig winger Diomande is a name that continues to be linked.
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Barcelona were also showing an interest, however, Spanish outlet SPORT reports that the Catalan giants are ready to give up their hopes of signing the winger this summer, and move on to other targets.
It leaves Liverpool, along with Chelsea and Manchester United as the frontrunners for the forward in the transfer window.
The west Londoners’ lack of Champions League football next season could rule them out.
Yan Diomande has impressed with RB Leipzig. (Image: Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Leipzig are said to be demanding a fee of around €100million (£87m). Comments from Diomande himself back in January indicate that the winger would opt for a move to Anfield in the summer.
“I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a huge Liverpool fan,” he said. “My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!”
The 19-year-old has scored 13 times and provided a further eight assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this season.