Liverpool left it until the final day to clinch Champions League qualification. Focus now shifts to what promises to be a crucial summer window.
The Reds splashed the cash last season. Further spending may well be required. Arne Slot endured a difficult second campaign in the dugout. The pressure is firmly on the club’s decision makers to make the right calls in the transfer market.
The 2024/25 Premier League champions’ defence of their title fell well short. Much better returns will be needed.
Salah and Robertson are already gone. Further departures could follow. But finding a replacement for Salah sits at the very top of the agenda.
The dream attack
One name that has consistently shown up in Liverpool gossip columns is Yan Diomande. The Ivorian winger has impressed greatly in his debut campaign with RB Leipzig, 12 goals and nine assists across 33 Bundesliga outings.
Leipzig’s Champions League qualification hands them leverage. Reported interest from Bayern Munich and PSG could keep the asking price high. The German club are holding out for £87m, a figure unlikely to budge if he impresses at the World Cup.
Alternative options
Jarrod Bowen could be snapped up at a discount after relegation with West Ham. He shares a broadly similar profile to Salah as a wide forward capable of posing a goal threat from the right or more centrally.
But he’s 10 years older than Diomande. That would be reflected in both the asking price and any potential resale value.
Isak’s second season
Landing a player of Diomande’s qualities would be a welcome boost for Alexander Isak. The £125m Swede fell short of expectations in his debut campaign. A full pre season should do him the world of good.
With Hugo Ekitike not expected to return from injury until a few months into the season, there’s a strong case for building an attack tailored to Isak’s qualities.
Ngumoha’s rise
Rio Ngumoha may not turn 18 until August, yet he has already started staking a claim to feature regularly on the left. The youngster is set to link up with England’s pre World Cup training camp, the extra exposure can give him something to build on.
All of this would allow Florian Wirtz to function as a playmaker just behind Isak as Liverpool aim to make the most of their attacking options.
The numbers
Player Position Estimated fee
Yan Diomande RW £87m
Alexander Isak ST £125m (already signed)
Florian Wirtz AM £85m (already signed)
Bazoumana Toure/Barcola LW £40/50m
Total potential outlay on a revamped attack: Approximately £340m.
Outgoings
There could be scope to move on those on the fringes. Decent fees could be secured for Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. A case could even be made for entertaining bids for Cody Gakpo, with Ngumoha pressing his claim.
The bottom line
Liverpool need goals. They need creativity. They need a Salah replacement.
Diomande is the dream. Bowen is the discount. Wirtz is already there. Isak needs a big second season. Ngumoha is the future.
The attack is being rebuilt. The price tag is enormous. But after this season’s struggles, Liverpool have no choice.
The Salah era is over. The next one starts now. And it doesn’t come cheap.
