Liverpool are in talks to sign another £69m Diomande

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and set up another as Egypt beat New Zealand to top Group G at the World Cup, reminding Liverpool of the level they have lost to.

In truth, Salah has fallen short of the standards he set for himself during his glorious years at Anfield, but there is a sense that the 34-year-old could have enjoyed a rich return had he been playing in a more stable system.

Arne Slot has indeed been sacked, replaced by Andoni Iraola. The Spanish tactician has done a great job with Bournemouth over the past three seasons, securing the Cherries’ place in the Europa League last month.

Liverpool, the 2024/25 Premier League champions, finished fifth last year, ahead of Bournemouth. Change was needed, but not just in the pit. Salah also needs to be replaced.

Liverpool are keeping talks for the Champions League winner

Liverpool have already stepped up with the signing of Victor Munoz, snubbing Newcastle United’s bid for the Osasuna winger after activating his £34.5m release clause.

Now, the focus is on RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who has been named as Salah’s replacement on the right. Currently out of the World Cup with Ivory Coast, this 19-year-old player has been rejected by Liverpool and is expected to leave again.

Maybe that’s where Liverpool will draw the line. But then again, maybe not. FSG are eyeing an offer for Cody Gakpo, who Tottenham Hotspur are interested in, as they have opened initial talks with mediators.

If so, Munoz, who can play across the front line, may not be enough for Liverpool’s new side.

According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Born n’ Red, Liverpool are still in contact with Bradley Barcola’s representatives as they look to complete a deal this summer. As Romano puts it, a lot depends on getting more outings at Anfield.

The French star, 23, has been the subject of talk within Liverpool for weeks, and while still in contention with Paris Saint-Germain, he has been hired for £69m and is wanted by Arsenal.

In full, Romano said: “Liverpool is keeping contact with Diomande and Barcola. They are in completely different stages. For Diomande they have already sent an official request and are talking to Leipzig. And Barcola, inside Liverpool they are discussing him every one week. Liverpool loves Barcola and I am sure that if PSG opens the door for him to leave, Liverpool can be there.”

Interestingly, Liverpool wanted him in 2025. That door was quickly closed by the French champions. Liverpool are not a unit to give up on top targets easily, however, and there is recognition that Barcola can help shape the new era at Anfield.

Why Barcola could be Liverpool’s star summer signing

Despite a number of variables that have yet to paint a clear picture against Liverpool’s extensive summer plan, we can confidently say that Barcola’s bid is not out of the realm of possibility.

The Frenchman is one of the world’s most exciting talents, hailed by commentator Ben Mattinson as “one of the best left-backs in the world”. Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, he has scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists for PSG.

Diomande and Munoz both have great potential, but are still unproven. We saw that with Diomande as Ivory Coast suffered a crushing defeat against Germany on Saturday evening, the youngster playing in a frightening but flawed manner.

Munoz has not come off the bench in the World Cup against Spain, but that does not diminish his reputation. However, he only scored six goals and provided two assists for Osasuna in La Liga last season, so whether he can take pride of place as Liverpool’s talisman next season is a big question.

Barcola, in contrast, took his chance when he was beaten on the pitch by Didier Deschamps of Les Bleus, scoring a fine goal to complete France’s best in Senegal.

The magnitude of Salah’s departure cannot be understated. IX-factor is a real thing in football, and Salah has received the golden buzzer any number of times during his long career and journey for Liverpool. He is one of the biggest difference makers in the Premier League; does Diomande have the maturity and attacking ability to emulate that?

Barcola may not boast numbers at the level of Salah at the top, but his time in Paris has been full of silverware. He has been part of the great modern invasion of Europe.

Whether Liverpool will bite the bullet and spend more on the expensive striker remains to be seen, but it sounds like Barcola will pass on the likes of Munoz and Diomande, raw and exciting talents who may need a little time to adapt to the English game.