Liverpool are actively pursuing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, while simultaneously progressing in talks with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, according to reports. The club is undergoing significant change following the recent departure of Arne Slot after just one year in charge.
Salah’s anticipated departure after nine years at Anfield has been known for some time, but Slot’s exit has added urgency to Liverpool’s summer plans. Diomande has emerged as a primary target to fill the void left by the Egyptian international. TEAMtalk reports that while Leipzig are keen to retain the player, and Bayern Munich are willing to wait until 2027 for a potential transfer, Liverpool believe this summer presents their best opportunity to secure his signature.
The Reds are prepared to meet Leipzig’s valuation of approximately £87 million for Diomande. Sporting director Richard Hughes is driving the pursuit of both the winger and Iraola, the latter having previously worked with Hughes at Bournemouth. Formal discussions with Iraola are scheduled to take place in the coming week, as reported by The Liverpool Echo.
Liverpool are aiming to appoint a new manager before the start of the World Cup on June 11, hoping to have Iraola in place swiftly to begin preparations for the new season. Meanwhile, the club has decided against exercising their buyback clause for Jarell Quansah, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer by Slot. This decision was influenced by both Slot’s departure and the existing presence of Ibrahima Konate in the centre-back position.
However, Liverpool are expected to revisit the possibility of bringing Quansah back to Anfield next summer, when the buyback price is set to decrease to £51.2 million. Securing Diomande would bolster Liverpool’s attacking options, while appointing Iraola would provide stability and a clear direction after a period of managerial change. These moves signal a proactive approach to rebuilding the squad for the upcoming season.
