Liverpool Told Whether They Could Use Cody Gakpo in a Swap Deal for £87m Star

Liverpool’s pursuit of RB Leipzig prodigy Yan Diomande is gathering pace, but hopes of lowering the teenager’s £87 million valuation by including Cody Gakpo in a part-exchange have been firmly dismissed by sources in Germany.

With Mohamed Salah expected to depart this summer, the Reds have identified the 19-year-old winger as a priority target to fill the void on the right flank. Diomande has registered 19 goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season and has attracted scouts from across Europe, including regular sightings of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain representatives in the stands at the Red Bull Arena.

Yet the eye-watering fee attached to the Ivorian international has prompted speculation that Liverpool might explore a swap deal involving Gakpo, who has struggled to justify Arne Slot’s faith after being deployed away from his preferred role. Christian Falk of Germany’s Sport Bild has poured cold water on the notion, stating: “The rumours of a swap deal hold no truth. I heard there was no offer from Liverpool, and also, Leipzig wouldn’t make this swap deal because Gakpo is too expensive.”

Leipzig’s stance is straightforward: any club wishing to secure Diomande must trigger the €100 million-plus release clause. That figure presents a significant dilemma for Liverpool, whose summer spending power hinges on securing Champions League qualification. The club currently sits five points outside the top four, and failure to close the gap would leave the Anfield hierarchy with a severely restricted budget.

Competition is intensifying. PSG retain a strong interest, while Bayern Munich have already warned Liverpool off a move for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, leaving Diomande as the most attainable marquee replacement for Salah. Whether Liverpool can muster the finances—or risk breaking their transfer record for a teenager—will depend on results over the remaining weeks of the season.

With Xabi Alonso reportedly waiting in the wings should a managerial change be required, the stakes could scarcely be higher for Arne Slot and his under-performing squad.