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Liverpool are exploring alternative options to Yan Diomande as they intensify their search for Mohamed Salah’s successor. Anthony Gordon and Bradley Barcola are both being assessed, with head coach Arne Slot determined to rejuvenate Liverpool’s attacking power ahead of the upcoming season.

Liverpool accelerate pursuit of Salah’s replacement

The Reds have officially entered the post-Salah chapter after the Egyptian forward’s emotional farewell following the 1-1 draw with Brentford. Salah concluded his illustrious Anfield career with 380 goal involvements across 442 matches, leaving Slot with the challenge of filling the void left by one of the club’s most iconic players. Slot has already acknowledged that strengthening the flanks will be crucial before the new campaign. The Dutchman remains convinced that wingers are key to Liverpool’s tactical setup, particularly after a noticeable dip in attacking output this season.

RB Leipzig star Diomande has been identified as Liverpool’s primary target. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international enjoyed a breakout campaign in Germany, netting 13 goals and delivering 10 assists across all competitions. However, Leipzig are reportedly demanding a fee exceeding €100 million for the highly rated teenager.

Liverpool consider Premier League and Ligue 1 alternatives

According to reports, Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Gordon has been on Liverpool’s radar since 2024, with his blistering pace, adaptability, and Premier League experience making him an attractive option. Barcola, meanwhile, is a player who has long been admired by Liverpool’s recruitment staff at Kirkby. The Merseyside club evaluated a move for the French international last year but opted to prioritise the development of academy talent Rio Ngumoha. However, the departures of Salah this season and Luis Diaz last year have heightened the need for proven attacking reinforcements.

Slot emphasises Liverpool’s focus on wide players

Slot recently stressed the importance of bolstering his attack following Salah’s exit, underlining the key role wingers play in his tactical approach.

“One of the reasons everyone is talking about wingers is because Mo is leaving,” Slot told journalists. “It’s completely logical to think about signing at least one. Last season already showed us how crucial our wingers were to our success.”

“They scored goals, created chances, and were vital in our league-winning campaign. In modern football, there’s increasing emphasis on wide players. One of the reasons we were so hard to beat was because we had dangerous threats on both flanks.”

Rising pressure ahead of a decisive transfer window

Liverpool’s recruitment team is now under growing pressure to secure top attacking talent before the new season kicks off. Whether it’s Diomande, Gordon, or Barcola who eventually arrives, the goal remains to restore the sharp attacking edge that was missing for much of the previous campaign. The upcoming World Cup could further complicate transfer negotiations, as standout performances on the global stage may drive up the market value of Liverpool’s key targets this summer.