Liverpool’s performance in last summer’s transfer window provided their fan base with the excitement they needed to build on the Premier League success they achieved the year before.
Seven months after spending £450m, it’s safe to say this has been a huge failure, mainly due to injuries to each of the new players.
Alexander Isak broke his leg against Spurs and missed most of the season, while centre-back Giovanni Leoni only featured once with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Hugo Ekitike is the latest summer signing to suffer a long-term injury, with the Frenchman rupturing his Achilles tendon in Tuesday’s defeat to PSG, meaning he could be out for up to nine months.
As a result, Arne Slott and his leadership team will no doubt be looking to add more reinforcements this summer, with the attacking department once again an area in need of reinforcements.
Liverpool close to sign star for £42m this summer
There has been a need for a new winger in recent months, but the importance of reinforcements has become even more important following Mohamed Salah’s announcement that he would be leaving Liverpool this summer.
RB Leipzig star Yann Diomande has been touted as one of the leading options in recent weeks, with the Ivorian set to be one of the most sought-after talents this summer.
The 19-year-old has already registered a total of 17 goals and assists so far this season, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also interested in signing the teenager.
But Diomande is not the only Bundesliga talent they are currently eyeing, with Hoffenheim star Bazmana Toure being another option being considered by the Reds bosses.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Slott and his team have already approached the 20-year-old, who has scored three goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga this season, with a view to signing him.
According to the newspaper, the Reds were the first team to hold talks with the German club over the Ivorian’s signature, with his current club expecting him to be released during this period.
It was previously said that a transfer fee of around €50m (about £42m) would be required to secure his contract, but it remains to be seen how much the slot side will offer for the winger.
Why Toure could be Liverpool’s next Sadio Mane
Any winger currently joining Liverpool will have high expectations placed on them, mainly due to the level produced by Sadio Mane at Anfield.
The Senegalese international spent six years training on Merseyside before making 269 appearances and finding the back of the net 120 times.
He was part of a strong front three alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino, and the trio was arguably one of the best attacking lines in the history of the division.
Mane has often surprised fans with his direct dribbling, speed and clinical finishing, something they have been crucially lacking in recent attacks down the left.
Codi Gakpo currently fills that role, but Toure’s summer move could allow the Reds to acquire the next version of Mane for their long-term future.
The 20-year-old will undoubtedly have a big job to do should he make the move to Anfield, but his stats this season highlight why he would be a great addition.
The Hoffenheim star has created 1.7 chances per 90 and completed 1.5 crosses this season, the latter ranking in the top 7% of all Bundesliga attackers.
Bazmana Toure – Bundesliga statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | twenty four |
goals and assists | 10 |
Pass accuracy | 76% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.7 |
completed cross | 1.5 |
dribbling success | 2.1 |
dribbling success | 45% |
Touch inside the 18 yard box | 5.1 |
Toure has also recorded 2.1 successful dribbles per game so far this season, a success rate of 45%, highlighting his excellent ability to weave through opponents.
The Ivorian’s talent in the Bundesliga is further reflected in his impressive figures of 5.1 touches inside the opposition half and 1.7 aerial attempts per 90, qualities that are very similar to Mane.
His performances have caught the attention of many, with journalist Bence Boksak calling the Ivorian the “young Sadio Mane” after a performance in Germany this season.
Paying £42m for a player of Toure’s quality could be great business as the 20-year-old has time to develop further throughout his career.
Given the comparisons to Mane, this deal will no doubt excite supporters and allow them to forget some of his recent injury problems on Merseyside.
With interest from other countries high, the Reds will have to act quickly to secure his signature, with one of their rivals potentially snapping up a top-class young player.
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