The next couple of months will be vital for Arne Slot and Liverpool as they try and mount a push to return to Premier League glory during the 2026/26 campaign.
The Reds could only secure a fifth-placed finish this term, subsequently ending the campaign a whopping 25 points behind eventual champions, Arsenal.
Such a finish was made even more disappointing after the hierarchy spent upwards of £450m during last summer’s transfer market - with added investment expected this time around.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will depart Anfield on free transfers at the end of June, further highlighting the need for added reinforcements across the board.
Despite the season ending just a handful of days ago, the Reds have wasted no time in drawing up a list of targets to aid their chances of success on Merseyside next term.
Liverpool enter talks to sign £70m star this summer
In an attempt to bolster the club’s attacking department to replace Salah this summer, numerous players have been touted with a move to join Liverpool.
RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets, with PSG also said to be interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer.
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande
However, any deal would likely be a huge investment for the Reds hierarchy, as the Bundesliga side have placed a €100m (£87m) asking price on his head to fend off any interest.
As a result, other options are being considered at present, with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams another who’s appeared on Slot’s shortlist in recent days.
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have already entered talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Anfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
It’s also been confirmed that the player himself expects to leave the LaLiga club during the upcoming window - with the club too planning for his departure.
The Spaniard would still cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) has been mooted to prise him away from Athletic Club.
Why Nico Williams would be better than Diomande for Liverpool
Liverpool’s attempts to land Diomande this summer has been no secret, with the RB Leipzig star emerging as one of the club’s key targets ahead of the upcoming window.
yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s leading attacking talents in recent months, as seen by his impressive tally of 12 goals during his debut Bundesliga campaign.
His best display of 2025/26 undoubtedly came against Eintracht Frankfurt in early December, as the Ivorian netted his first senior hat-trick within the 6-0 thumping.
Most combined G+As in the Bundesliga (2025/26)
Player
Harry Kane
Michael Olise
Luis Diaz
Deniz Undav
Christoph Baumgartner
Yan Diomande
Andrej Kramaric
Patrik Schick
Slot’s men are evidently huge fans of the attacker, but as previously mentioned, his £87m asking price could prove to be a sticking point ahead of the summer.
His lack of experience at the top-level could also be a concern, with a move for Williams potentially becoming a more sensible option ahead of next season.
Spain's Nico Williams celebrates scoring their first goal
The Spaniard has starred in Europe’s top-five leagues over the last five seasons, amassing 31 goals and 32 assists for the LaLiga giants during the aforementioned period.
The 23-year-old also netted for Spain during the Euro 2024 victory over England, further highlighting his ability to provide the goods in front of goal on the biggest stage.
During the current campaign, he’s also managed to better Diomande in various key areas - with many of his stats undoubtedly handing Slot the star attacking addition he’s craving.
Williams, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, has completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted during the 2025/26 campaign.
The aforementioned area is undoubtedly a key area for any wide forward, with a move for Williams handing the Reds a needed top-level threat in that department.
Spain's Nico Williams reacts
The Spaniard has also added the end product to his mazy runs in recent months, subsequently completing more of the crosses he’s attempted compared to Diomande.
He’s drawn more fouls per 90 this season, whilst also winning more penalties - with the opposition often unable to prevent Williams from getting into full flow.
His best season in LaLiga saw him register 24 combined goals and assists - a tally which the RB Leipzig star has been unable to better in the early days of his career.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams celebrates scoring their third goal
There’s no disputing that both players are incredible attackers and two options who would undoubtedly improve the options at Slot’s disposal on Merseyside.
However, a move for Williams would be the right decision for the Reds this summer, with the Spaniard a more proven and consistent attacking talent.
The £70m transfer fee could prove to be a potential bargain, whilst having the chance to make a profit in the years ahead, given the Spaniard is still just 23 years of age.
erling-haaland-man-city-liverpool Related
Their answer to Haaland: Liverpool make approach to sign £87m superstar
Liverpool have made a move to land a top-level attacking talent this summer.