Liverpool are determined to bring Yan Diomande to Anfield this summer, with the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), actively shaping the squad for life after Mohamed Salah.
As the Egyptian forward prepares to depart at the end of the season, the Premier League champions have identified the RB Leipzig winger as their number one target to fill the void on the right flank. Sources have confirmed that Liverpool view the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international as the ideal long-term heir to Salah in Arne Slot’s team.
€100 MILLION. That’s the PRICE for Liverpool’s “number one target.”
Liverpool are prepared to meet Leipzig’s full asking price of €100 million (£86.5m, $117.8m) for the explosive talent. Diomande’s pace, dribbling prowess, and clinical finishing have made him one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers, and the Reds see him as the perfect fit to maintain their attacking intensity next season.
The club has already taken significant steps toward securing the deal. Back in December 2025, Liverpool made initial contact regarding the player. By April 2026, official talks had opened with Diomande’s agents. Liverpool’s strategy is clear: finalise an agreement with the player’s representatives before the 2026 World Cup begins, then move swiftly to negotiate with Leipzig.
While interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola exists, sources indicate Liverpool prefer Diomande and have reaffirmed their commitment to landing the Leipzig star above all others.
FSG just PICKED UP the PHONE and CALLED Real Madrid. This is HAPPENING.
In a notable development behind the scenes, Liverpool have contacted Real Madrid to inquire in detail about the circumstances surrounding Xabi Alonso’s departure from the Spanish club. Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu, lasted only until January 2026 despite high expectations.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the call from Anfield to Valdebebas was made to gain a full understanding of Alonso’s situation as Liverpool’s directors and owners evaluate potential managerial options ahead of a possible change. With Arne Slot currently in charge, the club is carrying out thorough due diligence on candidates — a standard practice in modern football. The outreach to Madrid reflects the strong underlying relationship between the two clubs, despite past tensions.
However, Alonso is not waiting on Liverpool. He is currently in positive talks with Chelsea over the managerial vacancy at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues have him among a shortlist of candidates.
Goalkeeper Plans Also Taking Shape
Separately, Liverpool are preparing for another key area of squad evolution. With Alisson potentially heading to Juventus at the end of the season, the club has identified Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez as a prime target. The experienced Argentine goalkeeper is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top performers, and Liverpool believe he would represent an outstanding addition.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool are moving decisively on multiple fronts. The pursuit of Diomande, at a club-record level fee, signals clear intent to remain competitive at the highest level, while measured enquiries regarding managerial candidates and squad reinforcements show a structured long-term approach from FSG.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for the Anfield hierarchy as they look to reshape the squad for the challenges ahead.