Liverpool in contract talks with £69m replacement for Diomand

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and set up another to remind Liverpool of the superstar quality they had lost as Egypt defeated New Zealand to take top spot in Group G of the World Cup.

The truth is that Salah has fallen far short of the standards he has set for himself during his glorious years at Anfield, but there is a sense that the 34-year-old could have enjoyed a richer return had he played in a more stable system.

Indeed, Arne Slott was fired and replaced by Andoni Iraola. The Spanish tactician has done an excellent job for Bournemouth over the past three seasons, securing the Cherries’ Europa League place last month.

Liverpool, the 2024/25 Premier League champions, finished in fifth place last year, narrowly ahead of Bournemouth. Change was needed, and it wasn’t just in the dugout. Salah also needs to be replaced.

Liverpool maintain talks to sign Champions League winger

Liverpool have already strengthened their squad with the signing of Victor Munoz and have hijacked Newcastle United’s bid for the Osasnow winger, who has activated his £34.5m release clause.

Priority now turns to RB Leipzig star Yann Diomande, who has been chosen to replace Salah on the right-wing. The 19-year-old, who is currently playing for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, has already had a bid rejected by Liverpool and is expected to feature again.

Liverpool will probably draw the line there. But then again, probably not. FSG are preparing to make an offer for Kodi Gakpo, who is interested in Tottenham Hotspur, and have already begun initial negotiations with intermediaries.

If that’s the case, Munoz, who can play across the front line, may not be enough for Liverpool’s new left wing.

Fabrizio Romano has told Born & Red that Liverpool are still in contact with Bradley Barcola’s agent with a view to finalizing a deal this summer. As Romano says, a lot depends on his further success at Anfield.

The 23-year-old French superstar has been the subject of debate within Liverpool in recent weeks, with his contract with Paris Saint-Germain stalled, but is valued at £69m and is also coveted by Arsenal.

Romano said in full: “Liverpool maintains contact with Diomande and Barcola. They are at completely different stages. For Diomande, we have already made an official bid and are talking to Leipzig. Regarding Barcola, we have weekly discussions internally at Liverpool. Liverpool love Barcola and I am sure that if PSG opens the door for him to leave, then Liverpool could be there too.”

It’s strange that Liverpool wanted him in 2025. The door was slammed shut by the French champion. However, Liverpool are not a team to give up on top targets easily and there is recognition that Barcola can help shape a new era at Anfield.

Why Barcola could be Liverpool’s summer star

As for Liverpool’s broader summer strategy, we can confidently say that they are not out of the realm of possibility for Barcola, despite the myriad of variables that still do not paint a clear picture.

The Frenchman is one of the world’s most exciting talents and has been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the best left wingers in the world”. Since the start of the 2024/25 season, he has scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists for PSG.

Both Diomande and Muñoz are extremely talented but unproven. That was evidenced by Diomande’s threatening but flawed performance in Ivory Coast’s narrow loss to Germany on Saturday night.

Munoz has yet to come off the bench for the World Cup against Spain, but that doesn’t discredit him. However, as he only scored six goals and provided two assists for Osasuna in La Liga last season, there is a big question as to whether he can be proud of being Liverpool’s talisman next season.

In contrast, Barcora seized the chance when Didier Deschamps replaced Les Bleus on the field and scored a stunning goal to cement France’s advantage over Senegal.

The magnitude of Salah’s departure cannot be understated. The X-factor is a reality in football and Salah has received the golden buzzer many times during his long and traveled career with Liverpool. He is one of the Premier League’s all-time great difference-makers. Does Diomand have the maturity and offensive prowess to emulate that?

Barcola may not boast the same level of numbers as Salah in the top flight, but his time in Paris was filled with silverware. He has been part of Europe’s great modern attacks.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will take the plunge and spend even more money on a big-money forward, but it feels like Barcola would beat out raw, exciting talents like Munoz and Diomande, who probably need some time to adapt to the English game.