Liverpool are reportedly planning to have four “high-quality wide options” next season, which includes the addition of Yan Diomande.
The Reds paid the price for their lack of attacking depth last season, which was further compounded by injuries that unsettled several players.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is still the primary target this summer, with Liverpool expected to follow up on their first rejected bid of £87 million.
And according to the Athletic‘s James Pearce, the 19-year-old is one of four “high-quality wide options” Liverpool are planning to have under Andoni Iraola next season.
He would join Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha on the wings, allowing Iraola “to rotate and not overburden players physically.”
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's debut goalscorer Rio Ngumoha celebrates with teammate Cody Gakpo after the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Pearce explains that there’s “an acceptance that a lack of pace and threat on the wings cost Liverpool dear last season,” with injuries and form compounding the Reds’ woes.
Munoz will add versatility, and there is “a belief” that Ngumoha can operate on the right and left, giving Liverpool options.
An alternative will be pursued if a deal cannot be agreed for Diomande, but there is seemingly a blueprint in place for Liverpool on the wings.
PSG’s Bradley Barcola has been mooted as an option to bolster the attack, but Liverpool journalist David Lynch suggested on the Born N Red podcast that he could be linked to Gakpo’s future – who the club would be willing to sell.
“It [a deal for Bradley Barcola] feels tied to Gakpo now to me, more than Diomande,” he said, with the duo fitting a similar mould as players who can play on the left and centrally.
This, however, will raise concerns about the lack of depth at centre-forward with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027, leaving Alexander Isak to shoulder the majority of minutes.
He managed just 1,033 in an injury-plagued debut season, and Liverpool could find themselves similarly hamstrung if injuries snowball up front, forcing players out of position again.
A delicate squad balance for Richard Hughes to get right!