Incredible €140m star was ready to join Liverpool but deal collapsed

One of the biggest talents in world football was ready to join Liverpool this summer. However, the deal collapsed.

Liverpool went into this summer transfer window with a plan. They wanted a new winger and were ready to spend big on him.

After all, the squad lacked production from wide areas last season and then lost Mohamed Salah on a free transfer. Victor Munoz has joined from Osasuna but he's not going to make up the difference on his own - especially as he doesn't actually play on Salah's side.

The big name Liverpool wanted was Yan Diomande, as reported at the time by absolutely everyone. The Reds, at one stage, looked like favourites to sign him after a brilliant debut campaign with RB Leipzig.

And then things turned. Paris Saint-Germain got involved and turned Diomande's head, with him looking destined to move there. Only, Real Madrid got involved and turned Diomande's head, and he did move there.

Los Blancos have completed the deal at €140m, per the BBC, far above what Liverpool were reportedly offering. So what happened? The Athletic have explained all.

They've claimed that Liverpool did indeed lead the race at one stage and Diomande was ready to join them. Then two things happened.

Firstly, Liverpool low-balled Leipzig with their offer, putting up under €100m. It was rejected, naturally, and the Reds dallied a bit on what to do next - though, with good reason.

Arne Slot lost his job as head coach and was replaced by Andoni Iraola, shifting things at Anfield. That had an extra effect, though, as it put off Diomande, who now believed that Liverpool were heading into a transitional season.

PSG, at the time, offered him the opportunity to challenge for trophies right away. Real Madrid then did the same and were willing to pay €140m to get it done.

Liverpool were never going that high but who knows? A little higher with their initial offer and perhaps Diomande would have signed for the club before anyone else even got involved.