Liverpool’s priority this summer is to sign a forward, but in the summer of 2017, Jurgen Klopp and FSG had the dream target of signing Virgil van Dijk and still went ahead with Mohamed Salah.
Years later, Salah has played his last game for Liverpool, but Liverpool need to build a world-class front line that Andoni Iraola can sing. Then no pressure.
Premier League 25/26 – Arne Slott vs Andoni Iraola | ||
|---|---|---|
slot | # | forever |
38 | match | 38 |
17 | victory | 13 |
9 | draw | 18 |
12 | loss | 7 |
63:53 | GF/GA | 58:54 |
60 | point | 57 |
1.58 | PPM | 1.50 |
Yann Diomande is the top target to make that happen, but just as Van Dijk was once a priority for Liverpool, FSG are ready to strengthen other positions ahead of a new era at Anfield.
Liverpool in contract talks with bigger talent than Diomande
Liverpool are confident they can get things right for the 2026/27 season. Signing an elite winger of Diomande’s level who has the potential and physicality to replace Salah would be an important move.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that Liverpool have established contact with RB Leipzig, but the Bundesliga club do not want to sell. Still, something needs to be done, and FSG hopes to end this priority sign-up soon so they can move on to other targets.
After all, Liverpool could raid another German team for a promising player who could be even more talented than Diomande.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still trying to sign teenage midfielder Kennett Eichhorn, with new negotiations taking place in the past 48 hours.
Bayern Munich are Liverpool’s closest rivals in the transfer race for the Hertha Berlin star, who broke into the Bundesliga second-tier top team this season, but they have softened their interest in recent days, giving FSG a clear chance of bringing the prodigious teenager to Anfield.
Why Eichhorn has greater talent than Diomand
Eichhorn may not have his name bandied about as much as Diomande for his exploits in the Bundesliga, but it’s worth noting that he is three years younger than the Ivorian and is already starting to make a splash at the top level.
Described as an “insane talent” by analyst Raj Chauhan, the deep midfielder is undaunted in the face of high-pressure situations and is already confident in his technical qualities and defensive skills.
Former Hertha star Toni Leistner marvels at the young midfielder’s “incredible” quality in the engine room, belying his age as he put in strong performances in midfield for Hertha in the Bundesliga second tier, where he started 14 games this season.
Kennett Eichhorn – Bundesliga 2nd Form (25/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | # |
Match (start) | 17(14) |
Goal + Assist | 1 + 0 |
touch* | 32.7 |
Exact path* | 16.9 (81%) |
Loss of ownership* | 6.9 |
Opportunities created* | 0.4 |
Ball recovery rate* | 4.5 |
Tackle + Interception* | 2.5 |
clearance* | 1.0 |
Win a duel* | 4.2 (51%) |
Liverpool are unlikely to incorporate Eichhorn into their starting XI from the off-season, but he has the talent to play for Iraola’s side sooner or later and could form a neat addition to the title-challenging Spaniard’s engine room.
Sir Matt Busby once said: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, and Liverpool believe this to be the case, as they aim to replace Salah on the right wing with a forward 14 years his junior.
It remains to be seen whether Eichhorn will make the same immediate impact as big-money signing Diomande, but there is no doubt that the young German has the potential to form the core of Liverpool’s midfield and serve as a No. 6 long-term.
Liverpool’s strategy this summer is clear. FSG want to sign a young and developing talent who can secure Anfield’s future at the top of the European pyramid for years to come.
It’s easier said than done, but Eichhorn has the potential to become a superstar and Liverpool could help him develop over the next few years.
Diomande will love him: Liverpool gear up for £80m star deal for Iraola
Liverpool could be looking to make a big statement in the summer.

