Liverpool FC have reportedly identified a leading candidate to replace departing forward Mohamed Salah as the club prepares for a major rebuilding process under coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s management are said to have prioritised the signing of a high-level right winger during the upcoming transfer window following Salah’s official departure from Anfield after nine years at the club.
Despite recognition within the club that replacing the Egyptian forward will be an enormous challenge, Liverpool’s recruitment team have already drawn up a shortlist of attacking targets, with one player emerging as the preferred option.
According to a report published by The Telegraph, Liverpool are pursuing Yann Diomande, the 19-year-old winger currently playing for RB Leipzig.
The report stated that the player’s contract includes a release clause worth approximately €100m (£86m), although discussions have reportedly begun behind the scenes regarding a possible reduction in the fee.
Diomande Emerges as Liverpool’s Main Target
Diomande has attracted attention across Europe following an impressive campaign with Leipzig during the 2025-26 season.
The Ivorian attacker scored 13 goals and registered 10 assists in all competitions, performances that established him as one of the continent’s most promising young forwards.
He has also earned nine appearances for the Ivory Coast national football team.
Liverpool are believed to be relying on their strong relationship with Leipzig following previous transfer dealings involving Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konaté and Naby Keïta.
Reports suggest the Premier League club may attempt to negotiate a deal involving both cash and a player exchange in order to secure Diomande before rival clubs intensify their interest.
Alternative Options Also Under Consideration
Although Diomande is currently viewed as the leading candidate, Liverpool are also exploring other attacking options as part of their summer plans.
Among the alternatives being considered is Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United FC.
The England winger was reportedly offered to Liverpool in 2024 and remains attractive because of his pace and ability to operate across several attacking positions.
Another player linked with the club is Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Liverpool had previously considered signing Barcola but reportedly stepped back from negotiations to avoid slowing the development of young prospect Rio Ngumoha, who has since been called up to England’s training camp.
Salah Leaves Behind Historic Legacy
Liverpool’s search for a replacement comes after the departure of one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history.
Salah ended his Anfield career after making 442 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 257 goals and providing 120 assists.
His final contribution came during Liverpool’s recent 1-1 draw against Brentford FC, where he provided an assist for Curtis Jones.
The Egyptian forward’s departure has left a major gap in Liverpool’s attack, particularly after the sale of Luis Díaz to FC Bayern Munich.
Reports indicate Liverpool’s goal output fell by 23 goals compared with the 2024-25 season, increasing pressure on Slot to reshape the forward line.
Addressing the situation, Slot admitted the need for attacking reinforcements.
“Mohamed Salah’s departure makes thinking about signing a new winger very obvious and logical. Last season, the wingers were the real secret behind our winning the championship title thanks to their high productivity and perfect harmony with the full-backs. We tried to apply the same style again this season, but we lacked the decisive final touch in front of the goal, and the responsibility for this lies with all of us – including me – to correct this course and bring the team back to the podium.”
Liverpool are now expected to intensify their efforts in the transfer market as the club prepares for its first full season without Salah leading the attack.
