LIVERPOOL, June 26, Andoni Iraola’s first pre season at Anfield is taking shape against a backdrop of intensifying transfer intrigue, with Yan Diomande’s representatives stepping up pressure on RB Leipzig and Cody Gakpo delivering a timely reminder of his quality on the World Cup stage.
The Spaniard, appointed to succeed Arne Slot, has already overseen the arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna, with Jeremy Jacquet’s £55million deal also secured before his arrival . But it is the pursuit of Leipzig’s teenage sensation that has dominated the agenda.
Diomande camp push for Anfield move
According to German outlet Bild, Diomande’s agency, Roc Nation, are pressing the Bundesliga side to accept Liverpool’s proposal of €100million (£86.7m) for the 19 year old . Leipzig have rejected the offer, holding out for a package closer to €120m (£104.1m) to sanction the sale of their star forward.
The Ivorian, who is currently impressing at the World Cup, has been instrumental in Ivory Coast’s historic qualification for the knockout stages. He became the youngest player in his country’s history to be directly involved in a World Cup goal when he assisted Nicolas Pepe’s opener against Curaçao . His tournament statistics have only enhanced his reputation: he is the only player since 2000 to complete 10 dribbles and create 10 chances in his first three World Cup appearances .
Paris Saint Germain remain in contention, but Liverpool are understood to be firmly in the driving seat regarding personal terms. The French champions have yet to submit a formal bid . Diomande, who has previously admitted admiration for PSG, said: “Paris Saint Germain is a team I’ve loved since I was a child. It would be a pleasure for me to come and play at Paris.”
Gakpo’s World Cup statement
While the Diomande saga unfolds, Cody Gakpo has delivered a powerful message of his own. The Dutch winger, who endured a difficult domestic season with just nine goals across 52 appearances, has been rejuvenated on the international stage .
His two goal display in the Netherlands’ 5-1 thrashing of Sweden took his World Cup tally to five goals in seven appearances, underlining a remarkable record at the tournament. “A good question. Obviously it’s a little bit different,” Gakpo said when asked about the disparity between his club and country form. “It’s different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have” .
The admission will not have been lost on Iraola. Under Arne Slot, Gakpo was often deployed on the left touchline, with the inside channel occupied by Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. For the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman has afforded him the licence to drift infield and operate closer to goal.
With Munoz’s arrival and Rio Ngumoha set for a more prominent role, competition for places on the left flank is intensifying. Whether Gakpo, who is under contract until 2029, will remain at Anfield remains an open question .
Iraola, known for his preference for “chaos over organisation” and a high pressing, intense style, will need to decide how the pieces fit . His track record of developing young talent at Bournemouth suggests the 19 year old Diomande would be right up his street, while Gakpo’s experience and versatility, he can also operate centrally, offer valuable options .
