Liverpool are being linked with a summer move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann publicly advocating for the transfer. According to reports from TEAMtalk, new manager Arne Slot is also pushing the club's recruitment team to pursue a deal for Napoli defender Sam Beukema, a player he has tracked for several years.
The interest in Diomande comes amid a period of expected activity at Anfield following a domestic campaign that fell short of expectations. The 19-year-old Ivorian forward has enjoyed a breakout season in Germany after joining from Spanish second-tier side CD Leganés, with his performances attracting attention from several elite clubs. Leipzig are said to value the player at around €100 million (£87m) and are under no immediate pressure to sell, having secured Champions League football for next season.
In an interview with New Betting Offers, Hamann heaped praise on Diomande, describing him as the best player in the Bundesliga this season. "He plays off the left or the right, he’s two-footed, with pace and trickery," Hamann said. "He’s a wonderful player, not only to watch but also very efficient and effective." The former Germany international suggested a signing of Diomande's calibre could reignite fan enthusiasm after a disillusioning season, stating the player has the potential to be a massive hit on Merseyside.
Separately, manager Arne Slot is reportedly urging Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes to sanction a move for Napoli centre-back Sam Beukema. Sources indicate Slot first tried to sign the 25-year-old Dutch defender during his tenure at Feyenoord, when Beukema was at Go Ahead Eagles. Napoli, however, are under no obligation to sell, with the player contracted until 2030 and the Italian club likely to demand a fee in excess of £30 million.
Liverpool's potential transfer business extends beyond outfield positions. Sources confirm the club has rekindled its interest in Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as they contingency plan for the possible departure of Alisson Becker, who has attracted interest from Juventus. Costa, 26, is viewed internally as a candidate capable of stepping into a role of that magnitude. Alternatives under consideration reportedly include Brighton's Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City's James Trafford.
Any move for Diomande would represent a significant investment in a player with only one season of top-flight football, but his adaptability, pace, and direct style are seen as attributes that could translate well to the Premier League. For Slot, securing defensive reinforcements like Beukema would address an area of the squad that has faced injury issues, even with Ibrahima Konate close to a new deal and the anticipated arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. The coming weeks will determine how aggressively Liverpool pursue these reported targets as Slot begins to shape his squad for the new campaign.
