EXCLUSIVE: Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey on the Reds' summer transfer priorities this summer after PSG moved ahead in the race for Yan Diomande's signature
20:15, 04 Jul 2026
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 30: Cote d'Ivoire forera Yan Diomande (#11) dribbles up field during the FIFA World Cup 26 Round of 32 match between Norway and Côte d'Ivoire on June 30, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey is unconcerned by the Reds missing out on RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande, insisting there are other players — and other positions — that need to be strengthened this summer.
Diomande is thought to prefer a move to PSG in this window, while Leipzig would like to keep him for another 12 months. As a result, Liverpool will need to find an alternative, with Mohamed Salah having exited a year before his contract expired.
"Diomande is a direct player — very raw — but has the ability to get to the byline," Heskey tells Liverpool.com.
"He’s so quick and something that Liverpool are missing from their squad. I can totally understand why they have shown interest in him.
"Every player has his price, and every club has their limits with the way things are with financial fair play. I don’t think Liverpool should have broken the bank to sign him. There are other players they can look at instead."
Victor Munoz has already arrived at Anfield in a $47 million (£35 million) move from Osasuna, while PSG forward Bradley Barcola, who could leave the Ligue 1 giant, is another potential option.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) looks on during Group E FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany v Cote D'Ivoire, Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada on June 20 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande has chosen a move to PSG over Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Beyond that, though, Diomande was a major target and there are not loads of obvious alternatives.
Elsewhere, in midfield, there has been interest in Curtis Jones, while there is speculation about the future of Alexis Mac Allister too after a difficult season by the Argentine's standards.
According to talkSPORT, Crystal Palace will demand at least $106 million (£80 million) for Adam Wharton this summer, but Heskey says he could be the answer to freshen things up in the center.
"Liverpool definitely need another midfielder," Heskey, speaking on behalf of World Cup betting site 888sport, says.
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"Someone who can provide legs in that area of the pitch and also can pick out a pass for the forwards, someone who can start the attack and break the lines. Wharton would be a good signing in that regard.
"For Liverpool next season, qualifying for the Champions League is a must. I don't think Andoni Iraola necessarily has to win a trophy in his first season, but if he were to win a League Cup or FA Cup, that would be great for the fans.
"Iraola will be able to get the fans on side by playing a good, attractive style of football — then the trophies can follow from there."