Liverpool have received some news in their hunt for Yan Diomande as a Mohamed Salah replacement
Yan Diomande.
Yan Diomande has made his decision regarding a summer transfer(Image: Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of a replacement for Mohamed Salah, after Yan Diomande indicated his preference for Paris Saint-Germain as his next club. The 19-year-old is keen on a move to France this summer should he leave RB Leipzig, who are demanding a staggering £112.1million (€130m) for his signature.
The Reds have been strongly linked with Diomande as they look to fill the void left by club legend Salah out wide. However, the Athletic reports that PSG is the Ivory Coast international's favoured destination should he depart Germany in the weeks ahead.
It is understood that the teenager is excited by the project in Paris and feels a move to Ligue 1 offers him the greatest opportunity for success, both collectively and individually, with an eye on the Ballon d'Or. It has since emerged that Diomande has reached a verbal agreement with PSG, with negotiations continuing.
With the frustration of missing out on their primary target this summer, Liverpool must now press ahead and identify alternative wide options to succeed Salah. Fortunately, there are a number of prospects the Reds have been monitoring throughout the transfer window.
Said El Mala - Cologne
Andoni Iraola may look to cast his net elsewhere in Germany to unearth another winger following the disappointment with Diomande. Cologne's Said El Mala is reportedly attainable for nearly £70m less than his Bundesliga colleague.
The 19-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided five assists across 36 appearances for Cologne, catching the eye of potential suitors with his speed and technical quality. German publication FussballDaten reports the Reds are now expressing interest in the winger, who can be secured for just £43.1m (€50m).
Said El Mala.
Said El Mala is a key winger target for the Reds(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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It is suggested Liverpool see El Mala as a possible alternative to Diomande, or deployed centrally as an attacking midfielder. Additional reports indicate the Reds will encounter competition for the Cologne talent including from Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
Yankuba Minteh - Brighton
Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is another player attracting attention throughout the Premier League this summer. The Athletic reports that the Reds consider the 21-year-old another alternative to Diomande, with a £40m budget earmarked for his signing.
Minteh has registered 10 goals and nine assists for Brighton since arriving in 2024 from Newcastle. He played a pivotal role in the Seagulls' 2-1 victory over Liverpool in March and impressed against their backline.
Yankuba Minteh.
Yankuba Minteh is a proven Premier League star(Image: Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The winger also flourished under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, making 16 goal contributions in 37 matches in the Netherlands.
Rayan - Bournemouth
Rayan represents another possibility for Liverpool and might be persuaded to move to Anfield following Iraola's appointment from Bournemouth. The pair briefly worked together during the manager's spell at the Cherries and the 19-year-old is also enjoying a productive tournament so far at the World Cup with Brazil.
Rayan boasts seven goal contributions across 15 outings for Bournemouth and provided an assist for Vinicius Jr in last week's 3-0 victory over Scotland. According to the i Paper, Iraola is eager to link up with the forward once more but faces a staggering £86m release clause to secure his signature.
Rayan.
Rayan is starring for Brazil at the World Cup(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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The Reds were willing to part with the same sum for Diomande, though he has a far superior goal-to-assist record to Rayan's. Iraola may leverage his existing connections with both the club and the player to negotiate down the clause and lure the winger to Anfield.
Bradley Barcola - PSG
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola was already a main target for the Reds as they chased Diomande. Liverpool were credited with an interest by Fabrizio Romano, who claimed the club "loves Barcola" and are "discussing him every week."
The £80m-rated talent is tied down until 2028 but negotiations over fresh terms have reportedly hit a wall. This could hand Liverpool an advantage in pursuing the Champions League winner as he may favour a lucrative switch to the Premier League over remaining in France.
Bradley Barcola.
Bradley Barcola was already another Liverpool target(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
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Since his arrival from Lyon in 2023, the winger has registered 39 goals and 27 assists in 152 appearances while also cementing his position in the France national squad. French outlet Le10 Sport reports that the Reds have made an approach to sign Barcola, and PSG are prepared to sanction his departure should he request a transfer.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo - Lille
Matias Fernandez-Pardo could represent yet another wide attacking option for the Reds. The Lille star has caught the eye in France across the entire front line, regularly being deployed as a central striker for the club.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is also at the World Cup(Image: Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The 21-year-old has racked up 23 goal contributions in 71 appearances for Lille and has earned valuable playing time for Belgium at this summer's World Cup. Newcastle are also said to be keen, particularly after the Reds pipped them to Victor Munoz's signature, and they are eager to avoid being beaten again by their Premier League rivals.
Fernandez-Pardo is valued at around £60m and could prove a more attainable target for the Reds compared to the £112m-rated Diomande.
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