Liverpool are nothing if not careful when approaching the transfer market and succession plans.
That was always the case, but it certainly doesn't feel like it now for Arne Slot's side, who will likely qualify for the Champions League but have endured a torrid season both domestically and abroad.
How do the Reds move forward? It's a tough one, but captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged the "unacceptable" nature of the campaign, with big changes needed this summer.
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Van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, ahead of his final year on Merseyside, appeared to be hinting at internal changes, but FSG need to bring in fresh talent in the summer transfer market, especially up front.
How Liverpool plan on replacing Salah
Mohamed Salah will leave this summer, and it will be a sad day for the red flags across Merseyside. However, FSG run a tight ship, and they will want him replaced with an effective new winger with elite potential.
Mohamed Salah's Premier League Career at Liverpool
Season (* PL Title)
25/26
24/25*
23/24
22/23
21/22
20/21
19/20*
18/19
17/18
Though Michael Olise is already there, Liverpool might struggle to get that one over the line. The Bayern Munich superstar is considered untouchable by his employers, so while he is FSG's dream target, a concerted bid would likely end fruitless. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are currently leading the race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande despite recent interest from Manchester United. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande-1 However, Liverpool have put in plenty of groundwork already, approaching Leipzig last month to ascertain the conditions of a summer deal. The Bundesliga side would want £87m for his signature; third in the standings, they should qualify for the Champions League, strengthening their position. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested, so this is hardly going to be an easy one to navigate.
Why Diomande could be Liverpool's own Olise
Liverpool are hardly riding the crest of a wave under Slot's management this season, but the Anfield side are on track to finish in the top five, and so they can go again next year. By adding Diomande to the squad, Liverpool would not only replace the 33-year-old Salah with a younger and hungrier winger, but they would sign someone with the potential and the playing style to develop into their own version of Olise. The 19-year-old considers himself one of the top dribblers in the world, and the data backs that up. Moreover, though, journalist Bence Bocsak has hailed him as "a superstar" who would "be worth every penny" this summer, not only flashy and furious in attack but a combative defensive adjunct when he needs to be. Is Olise more refined and more polished on the global stage? Undoubtedly, but the teenager is playing his first senior season as a regular in the starting line-up, joining Leipzig from Leganes in Spain last year, peripheral for large parts of last season as he cut his teeth at the club.
Bundesliga Form (2025/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Key passes*
Succ. dribbles*
Recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Also described as a "generational talent" by Bocsak and a "Sadio Mane" regen by Liverpool podcast Top of the Kop, Diomande has the underlying quality and the application on the major stage to grow into one of the best right-sided forwards in Europe, rivalling Olise. Liverpool must ensure that he lands on Merseyside when he makes that leap. After all, failure to accelerate their interest could very well see him wind up at Old Trafford. Yan Diomande for RB Leipzig This is a move that Liverpool have to pursue. Diomande is the real deal, someone who could reorient Liverpool's attack next season and propel them back into title contention.
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