Mohamed Salah might be leaving in the summer, and Liverpool had a good idea who would be coming in to replace him — until now.
The big news of the day is that Salah has entered talks with Al-Ittihad.
Those reports emerged on Tuesday afternoon, claiming that the Egyptian is quite open to leaving Anfield in the summer.
That evening, a story to rival its significance came out of Italy. One that throws Liverpool’s transfer strategy into disarray.
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Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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Liverpool forced to hold off on Yan Diomande after ‘impossible’ reveal
There might not be a winger alive who could come in and produce the kind of output Salah has for almost a decade.
No, the goals will have to be shared out. But that doesn’t mean FSG shouldn’t be looking at a potential world-class replacement.
Yan Diomande has potential pouring out of his ears.
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We found out last weekend that Diomande was switching agents ahead of the summer, in what looked like a clear sign he would be moving.
Yan Diomande points to the crowd at full-time of the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg at the Red Bull Arena
Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images
Unfortunately, there has been a complication. As Sacha Tavolieri shared on X: “Liverpool are holding off on Yan Diomande! The Reds have been made aware of a valid contract (running until December 2027) between the Ivorian and the agency he left for Roc Nation.
“The contract is legally registered with the English FA. Yan Diomande is also reported to have assigned his image rights to his former agency — a fundamental prerequisite, without which it is impossible to negotiate his contract with LFC.
“A deadlock that is forcing Liverpool to wait until the personal situation is resolved before moving forward.”
Not the easiest read, but the gist is that Diomande possibly jumped the gun when changing representation, and unless some sort of resolution can be reached with his old agency, he won’t be able to move until next January.
January is too far away for Liverpool
I think if you ask a Liverpool fan whether Salah will be at the club next season, it’s a matter of head and heart.
Fans adore the Egyptian, and to see him leave would be a surreal feeling.
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Mohamed Salah puts his hand on his head in dejection during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
Credit: Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images
It’s approaching that time though, and if he is to go in the summer, waiting for Diomande to come halfway through the season just wouldn’t cut it.
If he can’t get out of his commitments, Liverpool will have to look elsewhere.
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