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Yan Diomande remains Liverpool’s dream signing this summer, but RB Leipzig’s huge €100 million + valuation could prove too much for the Anfield club.
A big-money move for Yan Diomande would likely eat up a sizeable chunk of Liverpool’s summer budget.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has outlined three alternatives for Yan Diomande in Köln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo could be considered should the Reds walk away from Diomande:
“Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz. Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig’s asking price, there are other targets.”
“Understand pace is the key criteria. Also on the list are Köln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. All options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive. Bradley Barcola another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.
Said El Mala
El Mala is the most immediately productive of the three names, coming off a breakout season with Köln in the Bundesliga.
The 19‑year‑old winger scored 13 goals and added five assists in 34 league appearances during his first full campaign at senior level, mixing explosive ball‑carrying with tidy end product in the final third.
That form has already drawn serious Premier League interest, with Brentford reported to have tabled an offer worth around £40 million, although Mala’s camp decided not to make the switch.
Yankuba Minteh
Minteh would tick plenty of boxes for Liverpool’s recruitment team, particularly when it comes to pace and one‑v‑one threat.
His 2025‑26 numbers are on the low side, two goals and four assists in just over 2,100 Premier League minutes, but only tell part of the story.
His underlying data placing him among the league’s most dangerous young dribblers in terms of progressive carries and take‑ons. As a high‑ceiling project profile, he fits the brief of someone who could grow quickly under Andoni Iraola.
Matias Fernandez‑Pardo
Fernandez‑Pardo offers a slightly different profile again, bringing more combination play.
The Spanish‑born winger returned to Lille from Villarreal on a long‑term deal in 2024 and has since established himself as a key attacking outlet, often starting wide but drifting into pockets to link play.
In Ligue 1 last season he logged eight goals and five assists across 29 appearances, impressive output for a 20‑year‑old who is still refining his game.
With a decent size at around 183cm and the ability to operate off either flank, it’s no surprise the Reds are interested.
Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz.
Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig’s asking price, there are other targets.
Understand pace is the key criteria.
Also on the list are Köln’s Said El Mala,… pic.twitter.com/FRj7Tvq7aj
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 18, 2026