Liverpool are in the market for new signings this summer with the Reds pursuit of Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande beginning to take shape after the winger’s representatives have taken action
Liverpool are far from finished in shaping their squad under the guidance of Andoni Iraola. The Reds’ boss has hit the ground running in the transfer market, thanks to the signing of Victor Munoz.
The Spaniard is inching closer to his first pre-season at Anfield this July. He’ll also be welcoming Jeremy Jacquet this summer, following the Frenchman’s £55million deal signed during Arne Slot’s tenure.
Among the players linked with the Premier League club, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has been hogging the limelight more than most. The transfer tussle over the 19-year-old – who’s also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar – predates Iraola’s arrival. Here, the Daily Star Sport delves into the latest news swirling around the Merseyside club.
Diomande’s Decision
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The ongoing drama surrounding Yan Diomande’s future seems to be edging closer to a possible move to Anfield. German publication Bild suggests that the Ivorian’s representatives – Roc Nation – are urging RB Leipzig to accept Liverpool’s offer of €100million (£86.7m) for the forward.
The Bundesliga outfit reportedly rejected the offer, holding out for a deal closer to €120m (£104.1m) before they’d consider parting ways with their star man. The winger, currently showcasing his skills for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, previously dented Liverpool’s hopes of signing him by confessing his affection for Paris Saint-Germain.
The Champions League victors are believed to be in the running for Diomande, who confessed: “Paris Saint-Germain is a team I’ve loved since I was a child. My father supports Paris Saint-Germain, and it’s a team I admire as a football fan.
“It would be a pleasure for me to come and play at Paris with one of the biggest clubs… It’s always a pleasure to come here also because with French being spoken, I think adapting wouldn’t be difficult. But why not?”.
Cody Gakpo’s message
Cody Gakpo found himself under the microscope alongside several other Liverpool players following poor performances this season. However, the Dutchman has bounced back from his club woes to kick off his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands on a high note.
He netted twice and provided an assist in their 5-1 thrashing of Sweden in their second group match, taking his tally to five goals across his last two World Cup tournaments. Post-match, when asked about his role at club level versus international duty, he hinted at a lack of freedom at Liverpool.
Gakpo responded: “A good question. Obviously it’s a little bit different. It’s different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have.”
For a significant part of the season, the 27-year-old was confined to the left flank with the inside channel often occupied by Hugo Ekitike and occasionally Florian Wirtz.
Under Ronald Koeman, Gakpo has been given the chance to operate closer to goal, with his statement possibly signalling to Iraola about his position on the left wing, where he now has three alternatives, including Munoz and Rio Ngumoha.