The Athletic's David Ornstein broke the news of Liverpool's formal approach, reporting that the club had been in touch with RB Leipzig and are currently more advanced than PSG in their pursuit of the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season.
Leipzig's position, however, remains firm. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said publicly this week that he would not sell even for a record fee: "If I were the sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player."
The club's valuation stands at €130m — a figure that would make Diomandé the second most expensive Bundesliga outgoing transfer in history, surpassed only by Ousmane Dembélé's €148m move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017.
Diomandé joined Leipzig from CD Leganés last July for just €20m after Leganés were relegated from La Liga. He proceeded to score 13 goals and contribute nine assists across 36 competitive appearances in his debut Bundesliga season — an output that has driven his market value from €20m to approximately €78m, though Leipzig's valuation far exceeds that.
The player himself has publicly expressed affection for both clubs. He told Téléfoot: "It would be a pleasure to play in France, with one of the biggest clubs."
But he has also previously stated a desire to play for Liverpool. His current stance is that the World Cup takes absolute priority.
"I've been a PSG fan since I was a child. I think my father was a PSG fan too. But I'm not worrying about the future — I'm focusing entirely on the World Cup. We'll see what happens after that."
Foot Mercato had reported a verbal agreement between Diomandé and PSG ahead of Liverpool's approach. The Athletic's update suggests Liverpool's intervention has changed the competitive picture materially. Manchester City are also monitoring the situation.
An additional complication surrounds representation. Diomandé's former agents Maxidel Management and new representatives Roc Nation Sports are in a dispute at the Court of Arbitration for Sport over who holds his transfer mandate — a legal wrangle that Leipzig and all interested clubs must navigate.
Liverpool are seeking a direct Mohamed Salah replacement — the Egyptian has left Anfield — and Diomandé's profile, right-flank dominance and age make him the primary target for that role.