Liverpool could secure a replacement for Mohamed Salah with their second summer signing. The Reds will already welcome Jeremy Jacquet once the transfer window swings open.
Arne Slot endured a difficult campaign as Liverpool manager. Despite claiming the top-flight title in his debut season following his appointment as Jurgen Klopp‘s successor, his side fell woefully short in their bid to defend it. The Reds failed to reach any domestic cup finals and were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. They squeezed back into that competition for next season by the narrowest of margins, finishing fifth in the Premier League.
Salah’s departure from Anfield only added to the misery, and attention has now firmly shifted towards recruitment. Jacquet will arrive from Rennes, but beyond that, Yan Diomande ought to be the club’s next priority.
Liverpool confirmed an agreement to sign Jacquet back in February, though he has remained at Rennes in the interim. The total cost of the deal will reach £60million, with the youngster set to link up with the squad this summer.
He has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury but is anticipated to return to full fitness ahead of the club’s pre-season preparations. Beyond Jacquet, Salah must be replaced despite not being at the very peak of his abilities when he departed, and Diomande fits the bill on numerous counts.
Diomande predominantly operates from the left flank and has just been named the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season. He scored 13 goals and contributed nine assists across all competitions, having only joined the German club from Leganes in 2025.
Leipzig paid just over £17m for him less than a year ago, yet an alleged release clause in his contract means his asking price could reach approximately £86m should Liverpool wish to secure his signature.
The reason Diomande would represent such an astute acquisition is his versatility. With Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all vying for positions along the front line, the ability to operate in multiple roles is an invaluable attribute for any prospective signing.
Diomande is equally comfortable on his natural left side or cutting in from the right. This ensures Ngumoha’s development would remain unhindered, and should Slot wish to field both Isak and Ekitike simultaneously, Diomande can seamlessly switch flanks.
He is also capable of doing this mid-match, meaning if both he and Ngumoha feature together, they could wreak havoc on either full-back, keeping opposition defences constantly guessing.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring Diomande closely, which is yet another reason why the Reds ought to move swiftly and secure the teenager, who has the potential to dazzle up and down the Anfield flanks for years to come.