Liverpool have their sights set on the Champions League. That means overturning a two-goal deficit against strong holders Paris Saint-Germain.
However, FSG understands that securing a spot in next season’s edition is equally important. Given Liverpool’s many setbacks in manager Arne Slott’s second season, few expect the Reds to advance, let alone beat Bayern Munich or Real Madrid for a place in the finals.
However, the Reds are in a relatively good position to do so, currently sitting just three points behind Manchester United in third place in the Premier League.
They will certainly need the salary packet that comes with Champions League qualification, especially considering Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season.
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Salah will leave this summer, which will be a blow to supporters of Liverpool’s persuasion. The Egyptian king has been the definitive superstar of the past decade on Merseyside and is one of the true Premier League greats.
It will be difficult to replace him, no doubt about it, but it will be interesting to see the rumors that have surfaced regarding Bayern Munich’s Michael Oliseh.
The Frenchman has emerged as one of the world’s outstanding attackers this season, but Die Roten has made it clear he is not going anywhere, with a deal that would surely cost him more than the £125m he paid for Alexander Isak last summer.
Instead, Liverpool could do what they do best and create a superstar for themselves.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made Yann Diomande a priority target this summer, with their focus on the young Ivorian, as Bayern continue to reassert their position that Olise is not going anywhere.
RB Leipzig do not want to sell the 19-year-old, who only signed from Spanish side Leganes last summer, but have set his price tag at £87 million, with Liverpool saying they are “determined” to make a deal and the player, who admitted he “wants to join Liverpool”, open to a move.
Football FanCast’s sources revealed earlier this year that negotiations have taken place with the player’s camp and that personal terms are already close to being agreed.
Liverpool already have a top winger in Rio Ngmoha, but with Diomande partnering with a genius player on the opposite flank, the Reds could be in the mix as well.
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Liverpool have acquired a young superstar in Ngmoha, and with the aging Salah and one-dimensional Kodi Gakpo leaving too much to be desired this season, he could further enhance his status with Diomande.
Liverpool signed Ngmoha for a small fee and agreed a trial with Chelsea for a fee of up to £7m. If the deal had to be completed now, it would certainly be difficult.
It’s not an issue that FSG and Slott need to worry about, but they need to get over the line and sign Diomand, even if it means paying a hefty price.
The teenage winger has made 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. As well as being a growing threat in front of goal, journalist Bence Boksak praised his dedication in various situations, saying: “His defensive work rate in every game I’ve seen has been top-notch.”
Ngmoha hasn’t played enough football in the Premier League to be able to verify a wide range of statistics, but Diomande acts in a similar manner, direct and deadly during the break. His athleticism and energy mirror that of the Anfield starboy who has brought back the X-factor to his slot side.
League comparison (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Salah | Diomand |
Match (start) | 23(20) | 28(23) |
the goal | 6 | 11 |
assist | 5 | 6 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 2.7 (0.7) | 1.6 (0.8) |
missed a big opportunity | 11 | 5 |
Exact path* | 22.5 (76%) | 27.5 (85%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 10 | 11 |
Key pass* | 2.0 | 1.6 |
It was successful. dribble* | 0.5 (21%) | 3.5 (59%) |
collect* | 3.0 | 4.4 |
Tackle + Interception* | 0.8 | 1.4 |
Win a duel* | 2.2 | 5.6 |
That was the case for 17-year-old Gumoha, who completed five ball recoveries, won two duels and scored with some deft production against Fulham at the weekend.
The slot offensive system has been lacking flare and seat-up quality this season, but Ngmoha is the answer, and Diomande could be the answer as well.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool complete the deal, but the Reds would benefit from signing a potential superstar who smells like Ngumoha in place of Salah.
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