Liverpool are accelerating plans to reshape their attack ahead of what could be a transformative summer at Anfield. According to multiple reports, the Reds have opened direct lines of communication with the agency of former Aston Villa star Moussa Diaby as they hunt for a ready-made replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Salah’s glittering era on Merseyside may be nearing its end. Although the Egyptian King is contracted until summer 2027, his form has noticeably dipped during the 2025/26 campaign. Insiders now believe there is a very strong possibility that 2025/26 will be Salah’s final season at Anfield, with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League on the horizon.
TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed on 27 February 2026 that the Saudi Pro League is preparing a formal offer to prise Salah away from Liverpool this summer. With the 33-year-old’s departure looking increasingly likely, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have already begun working behind the scenes to identify and secure his successor.
Diaby has emerged as a leading candidate. German outlet Fussball Daten claims Liverpool are “in close contact” with the player’s agency over a potential 2026 summer move. The 26-year-old France international spent the 2023/24 season impressing at Aston Villa before joining Al-Ittihad in a €60m (£52m/$70m) deal in summer 2024.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Diaby has delivered eight goals and a remarkable 29 assists in 61 appearances across all competitions. Yet despite those impressive numbers, sources close to the player have confirmed he is eager to return to European football as soon as this summer.
Intermediaries have already “informed” Liverpool of Diaby’s potential availability, and the same message has been sent to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund are also understood to be monitoring the situation closely.
What makes Diaby particularly attractive to Liverpool is his physical profile. The report from Fussball Daten notes that the winger’s “physical profile is a perfect fit for the Premier League’s intense pace” — a crucial factor for a side that plays at breakneck speed under Arne Slot. At 5ft 10in with explosive pace and direct dribbling ability, Diaby would slot seamlessly into the right-wing role vacated by Salah.
Al-Ittihad are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Diaby tied to the club until summer 2029. However, the Saudi side are reportedly willing to accept offers around €40m (£35m/$46.5m) — significantly less than the fee they paid just two years ago — because of the player’s clear desire to return to Europe.
That relatively modest valuation has already triggered interest from multiple Premier League heavyweights, setting the stage for what could become an intense bidding war. Newcastle United’s financial muscle, in particular, is highlighted as a major threat. With the Magpies backed by Saudi Public Investment Fund money, they could easily outbid Liverpool if the situation escalates.
Liverpool have not put all their eggs in one basket. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande are also on the club’s shortlist, giving the Reds genuine options if negotiations for Diaby become too complicated.
The broader context is significant. Salah has been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack for nearly a decade, delivering countless moments of magic and helping the club win every major trophy available. Replacing a player of his calibre is never straightforward, but Diaby’s combination of Premier League experience, proven creativity and relative affordability makes him an intriguing proposition.
There are nuances to consider. Diaby thrived at Aston Villa under Unai Emery in a system that encouraged width and overlapping full-backs — a style not dissimilar to Slot’s current Liverpool setup. However, his time in Saudi Arabia has seen him operate in a league with less defensive intensity, so any club signing him would need to be confident he can immediately handle the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League again.
Edge cases also exist. Should Salah stay for one final year, Liverpool might pivot to a younger, developmental option such as Diomande rather than spending €40m on Diaby. Conversely, if the Saudi offer for Salah arrives early and is accepted before the summer window, the urgency to secure a replacement will intensify dramatically.
For FSG, the situation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Losing Salah would be a huge blow emotionally and on the pitch, but securing a player of Diaby’s calibre at a sensible price — while potentially generating significant funds from the Egyptian’s departure — could allow them to refresh the squad without breaking the bank.
Newcastle’s interest adds another layer of intrigue. The Tyneside club have already shown they are willing to compete aggressively in the transfer market, and an “intense bidding war” could drive the price beyond Liverpool’s valuation. Tottenham and Chelsea, meanwhile, are both in need of attacking reinforcements and could jump into the race at any moment.
Everything remains fluid. Diaby’s desire to leave is clear, intermediaries are active, and Liverpool have opened formal dialogue. Yet until contracts are signed, nothing is certain in the unpredictable world of football transfers.
One thing is undeniable: Anfield is bracing itself for a summer of change. The hunt for Salah’s heir is well and truly underway — and Moussa Diaby has just become one of the hottest names on the market.