Liverpool draw up contingency plan if Yan Diomande’s transfer falls through as Minteh, El Mala and Barcola appear
Liverpool are already making contingency plans in case their bid for RB Leipzig striker Yan Diomande fails, according to a reporter. Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs reports that the Reds have seen an €80m+€20m bid quickly rejected, while Diomande remains a top priority. However, there is a growing acceptance at Anfield that the club cannot afford to let the deal drag on in August, especially given the urgency to strengthen attacking positions this summer.
As a result, Liverpool staff are actively exploring other options if Leipzig refuse to enter negotiations.
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Yankuba Minteh and Said El Mala among Liverpool’s other emerging options
The Liverpool recruits are understood to be keen on Yankuba Minteh, who has impressed with his direct attacking style and pace in wide areas, making him a strong fixture in the Premier League club’s system.
Alongside him, Said El Mala is also considered a surprise option, with internal discussions highlighting his potential and longevity.
Both players are seen as reasonable alternatives to Diomande’s pursuit of the ladder, especially if Liverpool are keen to add strength and depth in wide attacking positions this summer.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is another player mentioned by Jacobs, while Bradley Barcola remains a long-term name of interest despite his high rating and competition from other European clubs.
Understand that Liverpool’s bid for Yan Diomande was actually €80m+€20m and not €90m+€10m, as originally thought.
Liverpool are considering Diomande as their top priority, while PSG could also bid. Optimism player wants to join. But if Leipzig are not involved in the sale, Liverpool are also ready… pic.twitter.com/vSLs3goWEe
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 21, 2026
How Liverpool’s three alternatives compare statistically in output and impact
While Liverpool’s shortlist is made up of different profiles, their latest result also highlights a clear difference in production and attacking impact.
Yankuba Minteh he has excelled in the involvement of his specific purpose, combining the moving volume with the final product from wide areas.
His numbers show a player who is always looking to take on defenders and create opportunities in difficult transition schemes, making him one of the most explosive options on the roster.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo it provides a more balanced statistical profile, contributing to many offensive metrics instead of specializing in one area.
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The output highlights the player involved in the construction phases and the last-third actions, emphasizing his flexibility in all forward roles.
In contrast, Bradley Barcola he works at a high level of competition, and his statistical output is shaped by the demands of high-level European football.
Although his raw numbers are more difficult to directly compare, his involvement in creating high-quality chances and consistent attacking contributions highlight why he remains the most popular name among Liverpool’s alternatives.
