Liverpool's reputation as the best-run club in the Premier League has deserted them.
Ibrahima Konate is the latest high-profile Redman to leave Anfield on a free transfer, FSG having failed to agree a new contract with the France centre-back. Mohamed Salah is also quitting this summer, one year after signing a new £400k-per-week contract. Last year, Trent Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood club for Real Madrid.
Now that Arne Slot appears to have held onto his position in the dugout, it's imperative that Liverpool make the right signings in the summer transfer market, lest they fall even further away from the expected standard as title challengers both domestically and on the continent.
Arne Slot's Premier League Record with Liverpool
24/25
38
25
9
4
86:41
84
2.21
Who to add in attack, though? It won't be Anthony Gordon, but Liverpool do have their eye on an emergent attacking superstar.
Liverpool in talks to sign big-money winger
Liverpool registered their interest in Newcastle winger Gordon before Barcelona swooped in, with the reliable Times reporter Paul Joyce confirming that FSG made "strong contact" with the England international's representatives before he flew off to sign for the Spanish champions.
It's a blow, but at least offers some encouragement for the Merseyside outfit, who are working toward new wingers to reenergise Slot's attacking system.
And anyway, Liverpool may have an even more exciting signing on the cards.
As per Sky Germany, Liverpool are trying to finalise a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande before the start of the World Cup, following claims from TEAMtalk that sporting director Richard Hughes is leading talks for the Ivory Coast international.
Yan Diomande for RB Leipzig
This will not be an easy deal to complete. Diomande, 19, is also coveted by Paris Saint-Germain, and he is valued at £103m by a Leipzig side who don't want to sell.
Why Diomande could be better than Gordon for Liverpool
Gordon's good, there is no doubt about it. However, Diomande has the potential to develop into a bona fide "superstar" at the top of the game, as he has already been dubbed by journalist Bence Bocsak.
Across his breakout season in the Bundesliga, the teenager excelled down the wing, typically the right but sometimes the left too. He is positionally fluid, like Gordon, and has an underlying athleticism and physicality to complement his potency in front of goal.
Basically, he's rather good, and still improving. 12 goals and eight assists is nothing to write home about, you could say, but Diomande has the mark of a world-class player, already showing that he can far outstrip Gordon, whose Premier League season was pretty average for the Magpies.
League Form Comparison (2025/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Shots (on target)*
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Key passes*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
While Gordon is known for his ability to duel with the best of them, Diomande trumps him in this regard, so strong and agile, his physical attributes working in an alliance to shape him into the kind of player who would dazzle under the Anfield lights, thriving in Salah's place.
It's a tough ask, especially for an inexperienced talent aged 19, but Gordon would not represent better value for money, and this would be the ambitious deal to get the Reds back on track.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande
Liverpool have lacked pace down the wings this season, and Diomande would bring an element of unpredictability and flair to Slot's struggling side. He's exactly what they have been searching for, and it's a good thing that Liverpool have lost the race for Gordon, instead boasting the requisite funds to strike this marquee deal.
It's worth noting that Diomande has barely stepped foot onto the major stage, and he is already thriving, attracting the attention of Europe's elite.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon applauds fans after the match
Liverpool need to try and replace Salah this summer, and Diomande could be the perfect man for the job, bringing his own flavour of attacking football to Anfield.
andoni-iraola-bournemouth-premier-league Related
[Forget Iraola: FSG could hire "world-class" Slot replacement at Liverpool](https://www.footballfancast.com/fsg-can-forget-iraola-by-hiring-julian-nagelsmann-for-liverpool/ "Forget Iraola: FSG could hire "world-class" Slot replacement at Liverpool")
Liverpool still haven't confirmed that Arne Slot will be in the Anfield dugout next season.