Liverpool Set to Battle Manchester United for Dynamic Winger Pair
Liverpool and Manchester United may find themselves competing head-to-head in the January transfer market, as sources indicate both clubs are targeting RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and FC Köln's Said El Mala.
These Premier League giants have both underperformed this campaign, currently fighting for Champions League spots after dropping behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa in the table.
Both clubs invested significantly in attacking reinforcements last summer and indications suggest they'll return to the transfer market in 2026.
Regarding United's position, they're understood to admire 19-year-old Diomande, while BILD reports an inquiry has been submitted for El Mala, whose valuation of up to €40 million (£34.9 million, $47 million) appears more attractive than the €70 million required for Diomande.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, identifies both Diomande and El Mala as Liverpool targets as well.
With both teams anticipating defeat to Man City in the race for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Liverpool and United are compiling alternative options and view Diomande and El Mala as two of the most promising attacking talents available.
Yan Diomande vs. Said El Mala
The 2025–26 campaign has marked a breakthrough year for both Diomande and El Mala, who have clearly impressed observers in the Bundesliga this term.
Diomande has netted six times and provided three assists across 14 Bundesliga appearances, accumulating these statistics while operating as a right winger despite being categorized as a left-sided attacker, and El Mala finds himself in a remarkably comparable position.
The Köln striker also boasts six goals and three assists but has achieved this output over 15 matches, though El Mala has featured for approximately 200 fewer minutes than Ivory Coast representative Diomande.
Both Diomande and El Mala remain under contract with their current teams until 2030, but Leipzig are anticipated to drive a harder bargain for their prized asset. Diomande has been assessed at nearly €100 million but is unlikely to fetch such an elevated sum following just one standout season.
El Mala, conversely, might be obtainable for roughly half that amount following an impressive breakthrough campaign that marked his debut in elite football. The Germany Under-21 player was competing in the third division last term but has adjusted effortlessly to Bundesliga competition and is anticipated to seek new challenges in the upcoming transfer windows.