Borussia Dortmund are keen on signing forward linked with Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool began their pre-season schedule with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville at the weekend, but Andoni Iraola remains aware of the need to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.
The future of Yan Diomande continues to attract attention, with Liverpool having expressed interest in the RB Leipzig winger.
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Paris Saint-Germain appeared to be leading the race for his signature, although recent reports have suggested Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign the 19-year-old.
Liverpool have drawn up a list of alternative targets after appearing set to miss out on Yan Diomande. Among the players being monitored are FC Cologne’s Said El Mala, Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matías Fernandez-Pardo. Bradley Barcola also remains a key target for the Reds.
El Mala’s future has been the subject of speculation for several months, although the 19-year-old remains under contract with Cologne until 2030.
Brentford reportedly had an offer accepted for the winger earlier in the transfer window, but the player is said to have rejected the move.
The right-footed forward enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, featuring in all 34 league matches and registering 13 goals and five assists.
Despite his impressive campaign, former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann did not select him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Borussia Dortmund have recently submitted two offers for El Mala, but both were rejected by Cologne, who are demanding a fee of up to €50million.
Dortmund’s latest proposal, which included complex bonuses such as a potential Ballon d’Or nomination clause, was worth slightly above €40million. The Bundesliga giants remain interested, while AS Roma have withdrawn from the race.
A move remains uncertain, with Borussia Dortmund willing to wait and confident they can secure an agreement in the coming weeks. However, El Mala could also remain at Cologne beyond the summer transfer window.
Despite the transfer speculation surrounding him, the youngster has continued to showcase his quality on the pitch during pre-season. In Thursday’s 8-0 friendly victory over Bergisch Gladbach, the forward scored his first goal of the campaign.
Borussia Dortmund
FC Koln
Said El-Mala