Bothroyd described Diomande as “a very good player” but believes Liverpool should resist allowing negotiations to drift beyond their internal valuation. His view is that the reported £85m figure would represent a more sensible investment in a player still establishing himself at the highest level.
Liverpool are reportedly expected to make another offer, with new manager Andoni Iraola continuing to reshape the squad after Arne Slot’s dismissal. The pursuit is ambitious, but the club’s recruitment strategy will be judged on whether potential matches price.
Liverpool have already reportedly completed their first signing of the new era, triggering Victor Munoz’s £34.6m release clause at Osasuna. Further additions may follow, although the bigger challenge could be managing departures.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate are among those linked with exits before the window closes. If several senior players leave, Diomande’s arrival would carry greater importance - and greater pressure.
The winger’s age and upside make him an attractive target, but a record-level fee would immediately turn potential into expectation. Liverpool must decide whether they are buying a developing talent or paying elite-player money in advance.
Away from the transfer market, Jurgen Klopp has reportedly defended Virgil van Dijk after criticism of the defender’s performances for the Netherlands. Rafael van der Vaart questioned whether Van Dijk was past his best, but Klopp dismissed the criticism and challenged the former midfielder to offer something positive about a player.
The Diomande negotiations and Van Dijk debate point to the same wider issue: Liverpool are entering a period of transition, with old leaders under scrutiny and new investments demanding immediate impact.
The next offer for Diomande, alongside Liverpool’s expected departures, should reveal how boldly Iraola intends to rebuild.