Liverpool are nothing if not careful when approaching the transfer market and succession plans.
It’s always been that way, but it doesn’t feel like it now for Arne Slot’s team, who may have qualified for the Champions League but have endured a difficult season at home and abroad.
How do the Reds move forward? It’s difficult, but captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted the “unacceptable” nature of the campaign, with major changes needed this summer.
Van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, ahead of his final year on Merseyside, has appeared to talk about internal changes, but FSG need to bring in new talent in the summer transfer market, particularly up front.
How Liverpool plan to replace Salah
Mohamed Salah will be leaving this summer, and it will be a sad day for the red flags across Merseyside. However, FSG have a strong ship, and they will want to replace him with a successful new player with great potential.
| Mohamed Salah’s Premier League career at Liverpool | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season (* PL Title) | Applications | Terms + Help |
| 25/26 | 25 | 7 + 6 |
| 24/25* | 38 | 29 + 18 |
| 23/24 | 32 | 18 + 10 |
| 22/23 | 38 | 19 + 12 |
| 21/22 | 35 | 23 + 13 |
| 20/21 | 37 | 22 + 5 |
| 19/20* | 34 | 19 + 10 |
| 18/19 | 38 | 22 + 8 |
| 17/18 | 36 | 32 + 11 |
Although Michael Olise is already there, Liverpool may struggle to get that over the line. The Bayern Munich star is considered untouchable by his employers, so despite being a dream for FSG, a joint bid could end up fruitless. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are currently leading the race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande despite Manchester United’s interest.
However, Liverpool have laid much of the groundwork, approaching Leipzig last month over terms of a summer deal. The Bundesliga club would want £87m for his signature; third in the table, they must enter the Champions League, and strengthen their position. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested, so this won’t be easy to navigate.
Why Diomande could be Liverpool’s Olise
Liverpool haven’t been riding the wave under manager Slot this season, but the Anfield side are on course to finish in the top five, and they could go again next year. By adding Diomande to the squad, Liverpool would not only be replacing Salah, 33, with a young and hungry winger, but would be signing someone with the ability and playing style to develop into their own version of Olise. The 19-year-old considers himself one of the best players in the world, and the data backs that up. More than that, however, journalist Bence Bocsak hailed him as a “specialist” who “would be worth every penny” this summer, not just attacking and offensive but a defensive supplement when needed. Is Olise more refined and polished on the world stage? Undoubtedly, but the youngster is playing his first season as a first-team regular, having joined Leipzig from Leganes in Spain last year, a big part of last season as he cut his teeth at the club.
| Bundesliga form (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Math (* in 90) | Olise | Diomande |
| The same (begins) | 30 (22) | 31 (26) |
| Goals | 14 | 12 |
| It helps | 19 | 7 |
| Shots (on target)* | 3.2 (1.6) | 1.6 (0.8) |
| Great opportunities are not missed | 13 | 5 |
| Accurate passes* | 40.7 (84%) | 27.5 (85%) |
| Great opportunities have been created | 27 | 16 |
| Key passes* | 2.7 | 1.7 |
| Success. dribble* | 2.0 (45%) | 3.5 (60%) |
| Adoption* | 3.2 | 4.5 |
| Facing + meeting* | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| Duels won* | 4.9 (46%) | 5.5 (47%) |
Also described as a “generational talent” by Bocsak and “Sadio Mane” of the regen Liverpool podcast Top of the Kop, Diomande has the fundamental quality and the appeal on the big stage to develop into one of the best right-backs in Europe, rivaling Olise. Liverpool must make sure they get to Merseyside if they make that leap. After all, failure to quicken their interest could see him end up at Old Trafford.
This is a move Liverpool should follow. Diomande is the real deal, someone who can overhaul Liverpool’s attack next season and bring them back into title contention.
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