Liverpool are weighing a move for 1. FC Köln winger Said El Mala after RB Leipzig rejected their opening €100 million bid for Yan Diomande. The Premier League club are preparing a second offer for Diomande but have drawn up contingency plans should the German champions maintain their firm stance on the valuation.
Leipzig rejection forces Reds to consider alternatives
RB Leipzig dismissed Liverpool’s initial approach worth approximately €100 million for Diomande, complicating the Merseyside club’s recruitment strategy. While the Reds continue negotiations with a follow-up bid in preparation, they have simultaneously identified three concrete alternatives to strengthen their attacking ranks before the window closes.
The shortlist includes Köln’s El Mala, Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille. Each represents a significantly more economical option than the sought-after Leipzig forward, providing Liverpool with flexibility as they navigate a challenging market.
El Mala available at reduced valuation
El Mala carries a price tag of around €50 million, roughly half the financial outlay required to secure Diomande. The 19-year-old has already generated concrete Premier League interest this summer, with Köln accepting a €50 million offer from Brentford earlier in the transfer window.
That proposed transfer collapsed when the player rejected the opportunity to join the West London outfit. The failed move leaves Liverpool positioned to capitalise on the German club’s willingness to sell, though they would need to secure the teenager’s agreement to move to Merseyside rather than elsewhere.
Strategic approach to summer recruitment
The substantial valuation gap between El Mala and Diomande illustrates Liverpool’s adaptable approach to the market. While Diomande remains the priority target, the club are ensuring viable alternatives remain available should Leipzig refuse to compromise on their nine-figure demands.
This multi-track strategy reflects the competitive nature of modern transfer negotiations, where clubs must balance persistence for primary targets against the practical necessity of securing quality reinforcements within finite timeframes. Liverpool’s preparation of alternative options demonstrates their determination to conclude business efficiently, whether through eventually breaking Leipzig’s resolve or pivoting to targets like El Mala who offer proven potential at a lower cost.
The coming weeks will determine whether Liverpool can strike a deal for their first-choice target or whether they will need to activate their contingency plans to bolster the squad.