Liverpool are believed to be leading the race to sign Hoffenheim attacker Bazoumana Toure this summer, with Manchester United also in the mix.
New attackers have to be high up on the Reds’ transfer wishlist, with two wingers and a striker all arguably needed ahead of next season, given the lack of depth there.
Mohamed Salah has left and Cody Gakpo could be off, too, while Hugo Ekitike’s long-term achilles injury means an extra centre forward could be ideal, in order to provide more competition for Alexander Isak.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are in pole position to secure the services of Toure from Hoffenheim this summer, having been linked with a move for him in the recent past.
The 20-year-old wide man is valued at £43.1m by the Bundesliga club, and is described in the update as “one of the most wanted players in the European transfer market.”
United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all keen on signing Toure as well, but Liverpool have “taken the most decisive action by formally registering their interest and notifying Hoffenheim.”
Can Bazoumana Toure help replace Mo Salah at Liverpool?
Toure feels like a standout young wide option for Liverpool in the summer transfer window, along with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, with journalist Bence Bocsak lauding him earlier this year:
“Not at all surprised to see Sports Bild linking Liverpool with Bazoumana Touré. One of the fastest and most hard-working high intensity players in the Bundesliga. On top of that he’s an excellent provider. He ranks fourth for assists (11) and 2nd for crosses per 90 (5.32). Not to mention he has the best dribble success rate (69%) among players who’ve attempted 4.5 dribbles per 90.”
Toure already has 15 assists in 45 appearances for Hoffenheim, highlighting his creative prowess, and while five goals is a less impressive return, those numbers should only improve with age.
The six-cap Ivory Coast international is mainly a left winger, so he could be seen as more of a Gakpo replacement, but he can also shine on the right flank, meaning he can also help fill the void left by Salah, perhaps along with Diomande.