Yan Diomande closing in on Liverpool move – Can Sani Suleiman replace Ivorian star at Leipzig?

RB Leipzig are already preparing for life without Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, with Liverpool pushing hard to complete a blockbuster move for the highly-rated winger, Afrik Foot reports.

According to The Mirror UK, Liverpool are ready to go beyond the €100m mark to secure the 19-year-old, although Leipzig are holding out for closer to €120m.

Diomande has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young stars after an impressive 2025/26 campaign that saw him score 13 goals and provide nine assists in 36 games for Die Rottenbullen. His stock has risen even further following his performances for Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup.

With Leipzig aware that the winger could be on his way out, the German side believe Sani Suleiman is the man to fill the vacancy.

The Flying Eagles winger only joined Leipzig from Slovakian side AS Trenčín in January, but the club hierarchy have already identified him as the player to step into Diomande’s role if Liverpool completes the transfer.

What Leipzig are saying about Suleiman

The club views Suleiman as a long-term project, but one who could be accelerated into senior football much sooner than expected if Diomande leaves.

The Nigerian winger impressed scouts during the FIFA U-20 World Cup and was snapped up quickly in January, with Leipzig beating off interest from other European sides.

His pace, directness and ability to attack defenders in one-on-one situations convinced the Bundesliga club, especially since he already possesses similar raw traits to Diomande.

Can Sani Suleiman replace Diomande?

Replacing a player valued at €120m is never straightforward, especially one who has already proven himself in the Bundesliga and will only get better at his next destination

Diomande is explosive, good in one-on-one situations, and while his final product and decision-making needs work, those things only come with experience at the top level.

Suleiman, by contrast, remains largely untested at the senior level. However, Leipzig have built a reputation for spotting and developing elite young talent before the rest of Europe catches on.

From Christopher Nkunku, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, Naby Keita and Benjamin Sesko to Dominik Szoboszlai and Dani Olmo, the club’s track record suggests they rarely gamble blindly.

If Diomande joins Liverpool, the pathway opens immediately. Pre-season will be crucial, and with Leipzig expected to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, Suleiman has a chance to make an immediate impact when given the opportunity.

The pressure will be enormous, but so is the potential upside. At just 19, Suleiman may not be a direct replacement for Diomande today, but Leipzig clearly believe he could become one tomorrow.