Although Yan Diomande’s move to Real Madrid is only expected to be sealed this week, Liverpool have known for some time that they would miss out on the in-demand winger this summer.
Prior to the Spanish giants making a firm move for his signature, the Ivorian had already intimated to his Premier League suitors that they were behind Paris Saint-Germain in his preference.
In response, the Reds withdrew from the chase to consider their next move as they looked to replace the hole in their attack created by Mohamed Salah’s departure.
So, who are the Diomande alternatives Andoni Iraola will look to amid a shortage of options in attack?
Bradley Barcola
The clear favourite to arrive at Anfield this summer is Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Not only have the Reds long admired the 23-year-old, but he is also understood to be just as sold on the idea of a move to Merseyside.
That is because of frustrations with his role at PSG, who will also have reduced leverage in any negotiations because he has two years remaining on his deal.
With the European champions looking to add to attacking options that already include Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, Barcola’s path toward an exit is opening up.
And, once he is given the green light to depart the French capital, Liverpool will be right at the front of the queue.
Maghnes Akliouche
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Liverpool’s desperate need for forwards this summer means they have made tentative enquiries with the representatives of several wide players expected to be on the market.
And France and Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche is understood to be among them.
However, the 24-year-old currently prefers to stay in France and active talks with PSG are in progress over a move.
It would take the collapse of those negotiations and for Liverpool to miss out on other targets further up their list for anything to come of their cautious interest.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Liverpool have also been keeping a close eye on Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo as a potential option.
The 21-year-old earned a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad with eight goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and comes with the added bonus of being capable of playing centre-forward.
That could be particularly useful for a squad that is set to be without the injured Hugo Ekitike for a few months yet.
Still, Fernandez-Pardo doesn’t quite possess the track record of production at an elite level offered by, for example, Barcola, and that is likely to count against him.
Said El Mala
After a breakout season that saw him score 13 goals in 34 appearances for relegation-threatened Koln, Said El Mala is on the radar of a number of top clubs.
But it is understood that Borussia Dortmund are currently leading the chase, and you suspect Liverpool would prefer any young player they are interested in to prove they can do it at a stepping-stone club before coming to Anfield.
It is possible the 19-year-old will come back onto the Reds’ radar in a few years’ time after succeeding in Dortmund.
Yankuba Minteh
One potential target that comes with no fears over his ability to adapt to the Premier League is Yankuba Minteh.
Liverpool were among the clubs that considered swooping for the Gambian when he was put up for sale by Newcastle in 2024 as the Tyneside outfit looked to solve their PSR issues.
He has since thrived at Brighton, and the fact he is a left-footed right winger means he represents a plug-and-play solution to the Salah question.
In terms of drawbacks, the Seagulls drive a notoriously hard bargain and Minteh has three years left on his contract, so it won’t be easy to prise him away for a reasonable fee.
And it is also worth noting that Minteh scored just three goals in 34 league outings last season, though the Reds might well believe he can do better with a higher class of teammate at Anfield.
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