Liverpool have suffered a significant setback in their hunt for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, as 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande has indicated a preference for Paris Saint-Germain. The Ivory Coast international, currently at RB Leipzig, is keen on a move to Ligue 1 this summer, with the German club demanding a staggering £112.1 million (€130 million) for his signature.
Diomande's Verbal Agreement with PSG
According to The Athletic, Diomande is excited by the project in Paris and believes a move to PSG offers him the greatest opportunity for success, both collectively and individually, with an eye on the Ballon d'Or. It has since emerged that the teenager has reached a verbal agreement with PSG, though negotiations continue. Liverpool have been strongly linked with Diomande as they look to fill the void left by club legend Salah out wide, but this development forces them to explore other options.
Alternative Targets for Liverpool
Said El Mala – Cologne
Andoni Iraola may look to Germany again to unearth another winger. Cologne's Said El Mala, also 19, is reportedly attainable for nearly £70 million less than Diomande. He has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances for Cologne, catching the eye with his speed and technical quality. German publication FussballDaten reports Liverpool are now expressing interest in the winger, who can be secured for just £43.1 million (€50 million). Liverpool see El Mala as a possible alternative to Diomande, capable of playing centrally as an attacking midfielder. Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle are also interested.
Yankuba Minteh – Brighton
Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, 21, is another player attracting attention. The Athletic reports that Liverpool consider him an alternative to Diomande, with a £40 million budget earmarked for his signing. Minteh has registered 10 goals and nine assists for Brighton since arriving from Newcastle in 2024, playing a pivotal role in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool in March. He also flourished under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, making 16 goal contributions in 37 matches in the Netherlands.
Rayan – Bournemouth
Rayan, 19, represents another possibility and might be persuaded to move to Anfield following Iraola's appointment from Bournemouth. The pair briefly worked together at the Cherries, and Rayan is enjoying a productive World Cup with Brazil, boasting seven goal contributions in 15 outings for Bournemouth. He provided an assist for Vinicius Jr in last week's 3-0 victory over Scotland. According to the i Paper, Iraola is eager to link up with the forward again but faces a staggering £86 million release clause. Liverpool were willing to part with the same sum for Diomande, though he has a far superior goal-to-assist record. Iraola may leverage his connections to negotiate down the clause.
Bradley Barcola – PSG
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola was already a main target for Liverpool. Fabrizio Romano claimed the club "loves Barcola" and is "discussing him every week." The £80 million-rated talent is tied down until 2028, but negotiations over fresh terms have reportedly hit a wall. Since his arrival from Lyon in 2023, Barcola has registered 39 goals and 27 assists in 152 appearances and cemented his position in the France squad. French outlet Le10 Sport reports that Liverpool have made an approach to sign him, and PSG are prepared to sanction his departure should he request a transfer.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo – Lille
Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 21, could represent another wide attacking option. The Lille star has caught the eye in France across the entire front line, regularly deployed as a central striker. He has 23 goal contributions in 71 appearances for Lille and has earned valuable playing time for Belgium at the World Cup. Newcastle are also keen, particularly after Liverpool pipped them to Victor Munoz's signature. Fernandez-Pardo is valued at around £60 million, making him a more attainable target compared to the £112 million-rated Diomande.
