Liverpool have already agreed a deal to sign a new defender but Arne Slot's side must look to replace Mohamed Salah next
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 should land a replacement for Mohamed Salah with their second signing of the summer transfer window. The Reds will already be welcoming Jeremy Jacquet once the market opens for business.
Arne Slot endured a difficult campaign as Liverpool boss. Despite claiming the top-flight crown in his maiden season following his appointment as Jurgen Klopp's successor, his side fell woefully short in their defence of the title. The Reds failed to reach any domestic cup finals and were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
They have squeezed into that competition for next season by the narrowest of margins, scraping fifth place in the league. Salah's departure from Anfield only added to the misery and focus has now shifted firmly towards bringing in new faces. Jacquet is due to make the move from Rennes, but attention should then turn swiftly to securing Yan Diomande.
Liverpool struck an agreement to sign 20-year-old Jacquet on February 2, though he has continued to play for Rennes in the meantime. The deal is expected to cost the club £60million, with the youngster set to link up with his new team-mates this summer. He has recovered from surgery on a shoulder injury and is anticipated to be fully fit in time for pre-season preparations.
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 is already a Liverpool player(Image: Getty)
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Beyond Jacquet, Salah requires replacing despite not being at his absolute best when he departed and Diomande fulfils numerous criteria. The 19-year-old Ivorian has been labelled "unstoppable" by Leipzig boss Ole Werner and according to reports, he features on the Reds' shortlist.
Diomande chiefly operates from the left and has recently been named the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Season. He netted 13 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions, having only joined the German club from Leganes in 2025.
Leipzig paid just over £17m for him less than 12 months ago, but an reported release clause in his deal means his valuation could reach approximately £86m should Liverpool wish to bring him in.
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) controls the ball during match day 33 1.Bundesliga, RB Leipzig and St. Pauli, Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
Diomande is an electric winger(Image: Getty)
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The reason Diomande would represent such an astute acquisition is his adaptability. With Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all vying for places across the forward line, the ability to occupy different roles is an invaluable quality for any new arrival to possess.
Diomande can feature either on his preferred left flank or is equally adept operating from the right. This means Ngumoha's development would remain unhindered and if Slot wishes to deploy both Isak and Ekitike simultaneously, Diomande can shift across and switch flanks.
He can also do this during matches, meaning if both he and Ngumoha take to the field, they could torment either full-back interchangeably, keeping opposition defenders guessing.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring Diomande closely, which is all the more reason why the Reds should move swiftly to secure the teenager, who has the potential to light up the Anfield flanks for many years ahead.
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