The question Liverpool need to ask themselves is whether Arne Slott’s side have shown any improvement over the season.
FSG clearly feels there is faith in Slott, less than a year after Liverpool won the Premier League title. As it turns out, there were mitigating circumstances. But when is that line drawn? When will Liverpool stop and wonder whether this 26-point gap speaks to a gap that the Dutch manager cannot close, and whether it will widen or deepen with an infuriated fan base?
Still, if Liverpool can pull off their summer transfer strategy, all may be well again on Merseyside. However, with the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool need a new talisman to match the likes of Alexander Isak.
Liverpool begin negotiations between clubs to sign new forward
Top sources, including The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have all but confirmed that Liverpool plan to start the new season with Slott in charge, and any transfer plans will need to cater to his vision.
That didn’t work last summer, but Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are both regarded as the best players in the business, and while filling in for a player like Salah is certainly a tricky task, Yann Diomande may be the best player to do it.
According to TEAMtalk, 19-year-old Diomande is Liverpool’s top transfer target ahead of the summer season, with the RB Leipzig winger emerging as one of the world’s most exciting young forwards.
Diomande, who is valued at £87m by his German employers, has the potential to become a superstar in a Liverpool shirt and, strange as it may sound, could be someone who could bring a bit of Fernando Torres-like quality to Merseyside.
Why Diomande could be Liverpool’s next Torres
Diomand is not very similar to Torres stylistically. The retired Spanish striker was agile and quick-footed, but was a true No.9 and was hailed by Steven Gerrard as “absolutely the best player I’ve ever played with”.
Diomande may not be a centre-forward, and he’s more of a Spaniard, but he’s a special kind of entertainer and someone with a similar background in that regard.
Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007 for £20m and Rafa Benitez sees his compatriot as the perfect tool to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title. That didn’t happen, but the child Speed, power and potential all rolled into one and he has left his mark on the Premier League.
That’s something Diomand has in common with the Premier League icon. The Ivorian star is not just a winger, he also has experience in Spain, having joined Leipzig from Leganes less than a year ago.
League comparison (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Salah | Diomand |
Match (start) | 25(22) | 32(27) |
the goal | 7 | 12 |
assist | 6 | 7 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 2.6(0.7) | 1.6 (0.8) |
missed a big opportunity | 11 | 5 |
Exact path* | 22.6 (76%) | 27.4 (84%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 10 | 17 |
Key pass* | 1.9 | 1.7 |
Successful. dribble* | 0.6 (24%) | 3.6 (60%) |
collect* | 3.0 | 4.5 |
Tackle + Interception* | 0.8 | 1.4 |
Win a duel* | 2.2 (29%) | 5.6 (47%) |
A huge upgrade over Salah, who was already old and in poor health, the agile winger will likely emulate Torres as a superstar replacement. However, Torres replaced Emile Heskey and Michael Owen really late.
Diomande is willing to move inside and into the penalty area. His clinical finishing allows him to succeed in such situations. However, if Liverpool were to make a deal, Isak and Ekitike would certainly demand a central position, which makes sense.
Journalist Bence Boksak said: “He’s a superstar, no matter what the cost. He’s worth every penny.”
Diomande’s flashy and exciting style is exactly what Anfield supporters are craving. There is substance to that skill set as well. In that respect, Diomande is perhaps a little like Torres, the young forward who arrived in the Premier League with the world at his feet and restored Liverpool’s front line to world-class heights.
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Liverpool are looking for a solution to their Arneslot problem.
