Liverpool has been left frustrated in its pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, who has reportedly verbally agreed a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving the Reds to find alternatives
07:23, 30 Jun 2026Updated 07:29, 30 Jun 2026
Liverpool is in need of a new winger after Mohamed Salah's exit
Liverpool has other transfer options after missing out on Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their search for a Mohamed Salah successor, after Yan Diomande signalled his preference for Paris Saint-Germain as his next destination. The 19 year old is reportedly keen on a switch to France this summer should he depart RB Leipzig, who are holding out for a whopping $148 million for his services.
The Merseysiders have been heavily linked with Diomande as they seek to plug the gap left by club icon Salah on the wing. However, according to the Athletic, PSG remains the Ivory Coast international's preferred choice should he leave Germany in the coming weeks.
It is understood that the teenage sensation is enthused by the project at the French capital club, believing a move to Ligue 1 presents him with the finest opportunity to flourish, both as a team player and individually, with ambitions of one day claiming the Ballon d'Or. It has since come to light that Diomande has reached a verbal agreement with PSG, with talks ongoing.
With the disappointment of losing out on their top target this summer, Liverpool must now turn their attention to pinpointing alternative wide options to fill Salah's boots. Fortunately, there are several players the Reds have had their eye on throughout the transfer window.
Said El Mala - Cologne
Andoni Iraola may choose to explore alternative options in Germany to discover another winger following the setback with Diomande. Cologne's Said El Mala is said to be available for almost £70m less than his Bundesliga counterpart, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The 19 year old has netted 13 times and contributed five assists in 36 outings for Cologne, drawing attention from prospective buyers with his pace and technical ability. German outlet FussballDaten claims the Reds are now showing interest in the winger, who could be brought in for just $92.5 million.
It's understood Liverpool view El Mala as a potential replacement for Diomande, or utilised in a central attacking midfield role. Further reports suggest the Reds will face competition for the Cologne prospect from the likes of Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
Yankuba Minteh - Brighton
Yankuba Minteh could be one winger Liverpool looks at
Yankuba Minteh is a proven Premier League star(Image: Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is another talent generating interest across the Premier League this summer. The Athletic claims the Reds regard the 21 year old as yet another option instead of Diomande, with a $52 million allocation set aside for his acquisition.
Minteh has notched 10 goals and nine assists for Brighton since his 2024 switch from Newcastle. He was instrumental in the Seagulls' 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in March and caught the eye against their defence.
The winger also excelled under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, recording 16 goal contributions across 37 appearances in the Netherlands.
Rayan - Bournemouth
Rayan presents an alternative option for Liverpool and could potentially be attracted to Anfield following Iraola's arrival from Bournemouth. The duo previously collaborated briefly during the manager's tenure at the Cherries, and the 19 year old is also impressing at the World Cup with Brazil.
Rayan has registered seven goal contributions in 15 appearances for Bournemouth and set up Vinicius Jr in last week's 3-0 triumph over Scotland. According to the i Paper, Iraola is keen to reunite with the forward but must overcome a substantial £86m release clause to bring him in.
The Reds were prepared to spend the same amount for Diomande, although he possesses a considerably better goal-to-assist record than Rayan's. Iraola could utilise his established relationships with both the club and the player to reduce the clause and entice the winger to Anfield.
Bradley Barcola - PSG
Bradley Barcola seems to many the perfect Liverpool target
Bradley Barcola was already another Liverpool target(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola was already a primary target for the Reds during their pursuit of Diomande. Liverpool were linked with interest by Fabrizio Romano, who stated the club "loves Barcola" and are "discussing him every week."
The £80m-rated talent is contracted until 2028 but discussions over new terms have allegedly stalled. This could provide Liverpool with an edge in chasing the Champions League winner as he might prefer a profitable transfer to the Premier League rather than staying in France.
Since joining from Lyon in 2023, the winger has amassed 39 goals and 27 assists across 152 matches while simultaneously solidifying his place in the France national team. French publication Le10 Sport claims that the Reds have submitted an approach to secure Barcola's services, with PSG willing to approve his exit should he formally request a move.
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo - Lille
Matias Fernandez-Pardo could offer another wide attacking alternative for the Reds. The Lille talent has impressed in France operating across the entire forward line, frequently being utilised as a central striker for the club.
The 21 year old has accumulated 23 goal contributions in 71 outings for Lille and has gained invaluable experience representing Belgium at this summer's World Cup. Newcastle are also understood to be interested, especially after the Reds beat them to Victor Munoz's signature, and they are determined not to be outdone once more by their Premier League competitors.
Fernandez-Pardo is priced at approximately $79 millionand could emerge as a more realistic prospect for the Reds when compared to the $148 million-rated Diomande.