RB Leipzig have rejected a reported €100 million proposal from Liverpool for defender Yan Diomandé, according to Fabrizio Romano. The deal is not progressing at the level Liverpool have offered because Leipzig still value the player highly and are reluctant to sell him for anything near the current figure.
Romano’s update frames the situation as one where negotiations are at an early stage, but Leipzig’s stance is clear: they want more than €100m. The report suggests Leipzig believe the valuation should be higher, and that €120m could be the number that eventually makes a transfer possible. For now, Leipzig are holding firm, not only because of the current market price for players of Diomandé’s profile but also because of how they view his potential and his current trajectory.
A key detail in Romano’s report is that Leipzig are still trying to keep Diomandé. That means the club’s priority is continuity rather than a quick sale. Even though Liverpool have submitted an offer large enough to attract attention, Leipzig’s decision indicates that they are not motivated to let him go unless their valuation is met. In transfer negotiations, this kind of position usually signals that the selling club will only entertain an exit if the buying club dramatically improves their proposal.
Romano also links Leipzig’s confidence in demanding a higher fee to Diomandé’s performances around the World Cup period. The idea is that his output on that stage—how he performs under pressure in high-visibility matches—can increase his perceived value. Even if Leipzig have already received interest and a substantial initial bid, they are reportedly using his recent international displays to justify their price demands.
The update implies that Liverpool are not necessarily out of the race, but Leipzig have made it clear they expect a significant step up in the fee if Liverpool want this transfer to move forward. The reported gap between the offer and Leipzig’s likely target suggests that the next stage would involve Liverpool revisiting their offer, potentially with a new package closer to the €120m mark.
Another important element of the story is the broader market context. Romano states that Leipzig expect additional clubs to join the pursuit of Diomandé. This expectation matters because it strengthens Leipzig’s bargaining position: if more offers arrive, the club can compare offers and choose the best option rather than being forced to accept the first major bid that comes in.
In practical terms, the expectation of further interest means Liverpool may face competition. When multiple clubs are linked to the same target, the selling club can raise its asking price or demand better terms, especially if the player is considered to be worth more than a single bidder’s current valuation.
The story also highlights the typical strategy of top European clubs in these situations. Leipzig appear to be signaling that they will not rush the sale. Instead, they are waiting for either (1) an offer that meets their valuation, potentially around €120m, or (2) a strong market bid from other teams. Meanwhile, they continue evaluating Diomandé’s performance and overall value—especially with reference to his World Cup performances—which could support a higher asking price.
Although Romano’s report centers on the Liverpool proposal being declined, the real takeaway is that the transfer is not dead. It is simply blocked by Leipzig’s insistence on a higher fee and their desire to keep the player. With more clubs expected to join, Leipzig’s position could become even stronger, and negotiations could shift rapidly depending on how quickly other suitors make formal offers.
Overall, Romano’s message presents a clear snapshot: Leipzig rejected €100m, want more, and believe Diomandé could justify a €120m valuation—at least in the short term. The club is still aiming to retain him, but they are open to negotiations if the financial terms match their expectations, and they anticipate the market will react with additional interest. Source: Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano: 🚨 BREAKING: RB Leipzig turn down €100m proposal received from Liverpool for Yan Diomandé. RB Leipzig want more than €100m as still try to keep him — understand €120m could be the way… for now, based on WC performances too. Leipzig expect PSG and more clubs to join the. #breaking
— @FabrizioRomano May 1, 2026