Liverpool fans are desperate to see some new arrivals this January, with the attack a main area of focus.
The Reds had seemingly been targeting Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to add some firepower to their forward line, but with the Ghanaian set to join Man City, they will have to look elsewhere.
RB Leipizig vs Werder Bremen - 1. Bundesliga
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Said El Mala celebrates after scoring for Koln in the Bundesliga match against St Pauli
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
One thing Semenyo could have brought to the Liverpool attack is speed. Arne Slot’s side have looked far too one-paced up front for a little while now, and the 25-year-old would have helped solve that problem.
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Liverpool can only sign ONE player this January, which position should they strengthen?
Marc Guehi during FC Dynamo Kyiv v Crystal Palace FC - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
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Whoever is targeted instead must have some of the same attributes, making Liverpool a fearsome threat on the counter-attack once again.
RB Leipzig’s breakout youngster Yan Diomande has been linked after a sensational start to life in the Bundesliga. But according to The Daily Mail, the Ivorian is not the only teenage talent Liverpool are keeping their eyes on in Germany’s top division.
Liverpool looking at Koln’s Said El Mala
If Diomande has been the best young talent in Germany this season, then Koln’s Said El Mala cannot be far behind him.
Both players have hit six goals and two assists for their respective sides, all at the tender age of only 19.
Said El Mala runs with the ball during Koln's Bundesliga match against St Pauli
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
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According to The Mail, Liverpool are actually looking closely at both youngsters as they aim to bring in another forward in 2026.
Diomande and El Mala are each said to have been ‘watched’ by the Reds ahead of the January window.
Further targets in other positions are also named, with Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi claimed to be on the agenda for next summer.
Which Bundesliga talent are you taking? Yan Diomande or Said El Mala
Both are on Liverpool's radar 👀
Yan Diomande in action during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen at the Red Bull Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto).
Said El Mala celebrates after scoring for FC Koln during their Bundesliga match against St Pauli (Credit: Getty Images/Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Ralf Ibing – firo/Sportphoto
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Who is Said El Mala?
For those Liverpool fans not in tune with goings on in the Bundesliga, El Mala may be completely brand new to them.
That will not be the case for long, as the Germany U21 star continues to pull up trees with Koln.
Having snapped him up from City neighbours Viktoria, Koln sent El Mala back on loan to the third division club last season. The left winger bagged 13 goals in 32 appearances.
After returning to the RheinEnergie Stadion this season, El Mala has had his breakout. Described by Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany as a player who ‘can shoot from high speed,’ the teenager is a fast, skilful winger who has already been called up to the senior German national team.
Along with Bayern prodigy Lennart Karl, El Mala is quickly being seen as the future of Germany’s attack. Go and watch his YouTube compilations, Reds. You will not be disappointed.
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