Liverpool has identified Yan Diomande as its prime Mohamed Salah replacement, with the 19-year-old Bundesliga Rookie of the Season on the Reds' shortlist this summer
Ben Crawford
08:38, 29 May 2026
Mohamed Salah's time at Liverpool is up
Mohamed Salah's time at Liverpool is up(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool should secure a replacement for Mohamed Salah with its second signing of the summer transfer window, with the Reds already set to welcome Jeremy Jacquet once the market opens.
Arne Slot endured a turbulent campaign as Liverpool manager. Despite lifting the top-flight title in his first season following his appointment as Jurgen Klopp's successor, his players fell well short in their defense of the crown. The Reds failed to reach any domestic cup finals and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage.
They have scraped into that competition for next season by the narrowest of margins, finishing fifth in the league. Salah's exit from Anfield only deepened the gloom, and attention has now firmly turned toward strengthening the squad.
Jacquet is set to complete his move from Rennes shortly, but focus should then swiftly shift to securing Yan Diomande. Liverpool reached an agreement to sign 20-year-old Jacquet on February 2, though he has continued to feature for Rennes in the interim.
The deal is expected to cost the club £60 million ($80 million), with the youngster due to join his new teammates this summer. Having recovered from shoulder surgery, he is expected to be fully fit in time for pre-season preparations.
Beyond Jacquet, Salah needs replacing, even though he struggled last season, and Diomande ticks numerous boxes. The 19-year-old has been described as "unstoppable" by Leipzig manager Ole Werner, and according to reports, he features on the Reds' shortlist.
Yan Diomande is being linked with Liverpool
Yan Diomande is being linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Diomande predominantly operates from the left and has recently been crowned the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Season.
He scored 13 goals and registered nine assists across all competitions, having only joined the German club from Leganes in 2025.
Leipzig paid just over £17 million ($23 million) for him less than 12 months ago, but a reported release clause in his contract means his valuation could rise to approximately £86 million ($116 million) should Liverpool wish to secure his services.
The reason Diomande would represent such a shrewd signing is his versatility.
With Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all competing for positions across the forward line, the capacity to fill different roles is an invaluable attribute for any new addition to possess.
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Diomande can play on his favored left flank or is equally comfortable operating from the right. This means Ngumoha's progression would remain unaffected, and should Slot wish to field both Isak and Ekitike at the same time, Diomande can swap flanks.
He can also do this during matches, meaning if both he and Ngumoha feature together, they could trouble either full-back interchangeably, leaving opposition defenders uncertain.
Paris Saint-Germain is also reported to be keeping a close eye on Diomande, giving Liverpool further incentive to act quickly in securing the teenager, who possesses the potential to illuminate the Anfield flanks for many years to come.