Liverpool finalize Diomande deal with Leipzig midfielder exchange

Liverpool have agreed terms with RB Leipzig to sign defender Yan Diomande for €100m. The deal includes the permanent transfer of midfielder Xavi Simons to Leipzig. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot identified Diomande as a priority signing to add pace and defensive solidity. Leipzig will receive €100m plus the inclusion of Simons in the transfer package. Simons, 25, completed 32 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig last season, scoring five goals and providing four assists. The midfielder has featured in 122 total matches for Leipzig since joining from Barcelona in January 2022.

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Diomande, 21, made 98 senior appearances for Leipzig, including 28 in the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign. His market value has risen from €30m to €100m following consistent performances in the Bundesliga and UEFA competitions. Liverpool’s transfer budget for the summer window remains at approximately £100m after accounting for departures such as Ibrahima Konaté’s potential move to Bayern Munich. The club plans to finalize Diomande’s medical and personal terms before June 30. Simons’ contract with Liverpool runs until June 2027 with a release clause of £50m. His move to Leipzig triggers a release clause in his contract, enabling the transfer without further negotiation.