Liverpool’s two switch options to £86m Yan Diomande swoop earlier than summer time resolution
Liverpool are reportedly looking to sign a new winger this summer to replace Mohamed Salah, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande at the top of Arne Slot’s wish-list
Liverpool have been linked with a summer transfer swoop for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.(Image: (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images))
Liverpool are aware they face a crucial summer transfer window as they prepare to replace Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have been linked with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with The Telegraph suggesting the Ivory Coast international sits at the summit of Arne Slot’s target list.
Nevertheless, Diomande carries a reported £86m release clause in his existing deal with the Bundesliga outfit, meaning the Reds will need to splash significant cash if they wish to secure the 19- year-old this summer.
Diomande has emerged as one of Germany’s most impressive performers this campaign, netting 13 goals and providing ten assists across all competitions for Leipzig.
The Ivorian, who already boasts nine caps for his nation, only joined RB Leipzig last summer from La Liga outfit Leganes in a deal reportedly worth £17.3m after triggering his release clause.
Whether the Reds will stump up such a substantial transfer fee for a player with relatively limited first-team experience remains to be determined.
The report suggests Liverpool are also monitoring Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon closely, who is anticipated to depart St. James’ Park this summer.
The England international was touted for a switch to Anfield last summer, with the lifelong Reds supporter eager for the move.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are similarly being mentioned in connection with Gordon this summer, with the German giants reportedly in discussions with the Magpies.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola is another attacker being touted for a move to Anfield as a potential successor to Salah, and an alternative to Diomande.
Slot’s team were found wanting in terms of speed and directness in wide positions following Luis Diaz’s exit, with the Liverpool manager emphasising the need for improvement in that area of the pitch.
“One of the reasons why everyone is talking about wingers is because Mo is leaving,” Slot said when discussing the upcoming summer transfer window. “It makes complete sense to think about [signing] at least one.
“I think last season gives you the answer. How important were our wingers last season for our success? They were scoring goals, providing goals, so they were a vital part of us winning the league last season and, in general in football, you see more and more focus on wingers.
“One of the reasons why we were so difficult to play against was because we had threats over on the right and the left side. It was not only the wingers. It is the combination between the winger and the full-back.
“Last season, I think if you had to describe the style of play I would describe it as very reliant on the winger-full-back combinations. We have tried that this season again, but there hasn’t been the end product that we had last season.
“That is not to say it is only about them. We all, me included, didn’t bring the same level that we brought last season.”
