Liverpool will need to part with some cash this summer transfer window to build on a lacklustre Premier League campaign
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate David Raum during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach
Yan Diomande should be Liverpool's next summer signing(Image: Getty)
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Liverpool could snap up a successor to Mohamed Salah with their second summer transfer. The Reds will already welcome Jeremy Jacquet when the market swings open.
Arne Slot did not enjoy the greatest of seasons as Liverpool manager. Despite winning the top-flight title in his debut term after replacing Jurgen Klopp, his team failed miserably in defending their crown. The Reds didn't reach any domestic cup finals and were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals.
They scraped qualifying for that competition again next season by the barest of margins, finishing fifth in the league. Salah calling time on his career at Anfield rubbed salt into these open wounds and now attention turns to recruitment. Jacquet will arrive from Rennes, but after that, Yan Diomande should be the next port of call.
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Liverpool agreed a deal to sign 20-year-old Jacquet on February 2 but he has remained with Rennes. The total package will set the club back £60million and he'll join up with them this summer. He has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury but is expected to be back fit for the club's pre-season.
Beyond Jacquet, Salah must be replaced even though he wasn't at the peak of his powers when he bid farewell and Diomande ticks a lot of boxes. The 19-year-old Ivorian has been described as "unstoppable" by Leipzig manager Ole Werner and according to reports, he is on the Reds' radar.
Rennes' French defender #97 Jeremy Jacquet applauds the crowd as he's expected to sign with Liverpool FC for next season ahead of the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Paris FC at the Roazhon Park stadium
Jacquet will join up with Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty)
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Diomande primarily operates off the left and has just been crowned the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Season. He scored 13 goals and registered nine assists across all competitions, having only signed for the German side from Leganes in 2025.
Leipzig spent just over £17m on him less than a year ago, but a supposed release clause in his contract means his price tag could be roughly £86m if Liverpool want to secure his services.
The reason why Diomande would be such a smart signing is versatility. With Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all competing for spots along the front line, being able to play different positions is a brilliant asset for any new recruit to have.
Diomande can play either on his natural left side or is comfortable operating off the right. This means Ngumoha's growth would not be stunted and if Slot wants to play both Isak and Ekitike together, Diomande can make way and swap wings.
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) controls the ball during match day 33 1.Bundesliga, RB Leipzig and St. Pauli, Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
The teenager is an electric winger(Image: Getty)
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He can also do this in-game, meaning if both he and Ngumoha take to the pitch, they could terrorise either full-back in flux, keeping opponents on their toes.
Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly keeping tabs on Diomande, which is another reason why the Reds should act fast and sign the teenager, who could dazzle up and down the Anfield flanks for years to come.
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