Liverpool are currently considered the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, though the club is also pursuing multiple other wide options this summer, according to reports. The potential arrival of Diomande is not expected to preclude further additions to Liverpool’s attacking line, with Cody Gakpo potentially used as a makeweight in negotiations.
Liverpool are undergoing a significant overhaul of their forward ranks following the departure of Mohamed Salah. TEAMtalk reports that the club are prepared to offer Gakpo to Leipzig in an attempt to lower the overall cost of acquiring Diomande. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Gakpo is open to leaving Anfield in search of more consistent playing time.
Alongside Diomande, Liverpool are also showing strong interest in Sporting CP’s Francisco Trincao. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed a successful season in Portugal, recording 13 goals and 18 assists in all competitions and earning a place in the Primeira Liga Team of the Season for the second consecutive year. Record in Portugal state Liverpool are ‘closest’ to securing Trincao, potentially activating his €60m (£52m) release clause.
However, Diomande remains Liverpool’s primary target. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Liverpool are in a stronger position than Paris Saint-Germain to agree personal terms with the Ivorian international. Leipzig have reportedly increased their valuation of Diomande to around €140m (£120m), which would make him Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing in history, trailing only Alexander Isak. The potential fee explains Liverpool’s willingness to include Gakpo in the deal.
Trincao previously had a spell in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2021-22 season, though he has demonstrably improved his game since then. Securing either Diomande or Trincao would significantly bolster Liverpool’s attacking options ahead of the new season, providing competition and depth in wide areas.
