Liverpool are preparing for a significant squad overhaul this summer following Mohamed Salah’s impending departure from Anfield. With the Egyptian forward’s contract being terminated a year early, the club must urgently reinforce their attacking options, particularly on the right wing. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig has emerged as Liverpool’s primary target to fill that void.
The 20-year-old Ivorian talent is valued at €100 million (£86 million) by Leipzig, who are keen to retain him for at least another season while preparing a new contract offer. Nevertheless, Liverpool have already initiated formal talks, signaling their strong intent to secure one of Europe’s most promising young wide forwards.
To make the deal more feasible, Liverpool are exploring a player-plus-cash structure involving Harvey Elliott. Currently on loan at Aston Villa, the 23-year-old Englishman is valued at around £35 million. Including him in the package could reduce Liverpool’s net cash outlay to approximately £51 million while providing Leipzig with an immediate, versatile replacement. Elliott can operate effectively on the right wing, in central midfield, or as a No. 10, making him an attractive option for the German side. Despite limited playing time under Unai Emery at Villa Park, Elliott remains a highly regarded talent with prior interest from Leipzig.
In parallel, Liverpool are also targeting defensive reinforcements. Borussia Dortmund’s left-back Daniel Svensson has risen as a leading candidate to replace Andy Robertson, who is expected to follow Salah out of the club. According to German outlet Fussball Daten, the 24-year-old Swede is now considered a top target for the Reds, amid competition from Arsenal, Leeds United, and several Italian clubs. His transfer fee is estimated at €40-45 million (£34.5-39 million), and he is reportedly eager to move to the Premier League, which could give Liverpool an edge. Svensson is understood to be seeking wages in the region of £83,000-100,000 per week.
Salah himself addressed his departure in a candid interview with club legend Steven Gerrard: “I feel to go through the season this is the right thing to do now, and I have peace with it… The season was tough for all of us. I don’t want to say much. I’m happy about it, everything that is going on this season makes me like ‘No, it’s time to go’.” He added that he has “a lot of options” and hopes to leave Anfield “through a big door,” echoing Gerrard’s earlier advice.
Strategic Analysis This dual approach reflects Liverpool’s methodical planning under Arne Slot. Securing Diomande would inject youthful dynamism and long-term potential into the attack, while the Elliott swap demonstrates shrewd financial and squad management — converting a currently underutilised asset into tangible value. Meanwhile, pursuing Svensson addresses defensive stability without overpaying in a competitive market.
The coming weeks will be critical. Leipzig’s desire to keep Diomande until 2027 adds complexity, and interest in Svensson is intensifying. Yet Liverpool’s proactive stance suggests a clear vision for rebuilding: blending high-upside talent with smart, balanced recruitment. This summer could prove pivotal in shaping the next successful chapter at Anfield.