Liverpool know they may have to be proactive during the summer transfer window to solve some growing issues within the squad.
With just days of the January market remaining, it looks desperately unlikely that the Reds will be adding any new faces in mid-season.
But plenty of change is likely to come for the Liverpool squad in the summer, with a number of high profile exits currently on the cards.
As well as potential departures for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool need to sort out one or two other, problem positions.
Perhaps top of this list for supporters at the moment is at left-back, where Andy Robertson has started to struggle on a seemingly weekly basis.
One of those linked with being the solution to the left side of the Liverpool defence is Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf. And as interest in Diouf ramps up, Slavia chairman has made some interesting comments on his future.
Liverpool could sign El Hadji Malick Diouf for £15m
Liverpool have been linked with Diouf and the Senegal international has taken Slavia by storm since arriving in January 2024.
Given his impressive performances, though, the Reds are not the only club interested.
The Mirror report that Crystal Palace have already firmed up an attempt to sign Diouf, and have seen two bids rejected, the second of which was reportedly worth £14.3m.
The paper also carry quotes from Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik who told Czech outlet Kudy Bezi Zajic that had the offers come from a more high-profile club such as Liverpool or Chelsea, he would not have so readily refused them.
“If Liverpool and Chelsea, who were also interested in him, had come with an offer of around 17-18 million euros [£15m], I would have hesitated to approach it differently from the perspective of promoting the club or the player’s interest,” says Tvrdik.
READ MORE: Left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf gives verdict on joining Liverpool after January transfer rumours
“If Chelsea comes, we wouldn’t keep anyone. Nothing will change, it’s just not possible objectively. One has to admit that the Czech league and Slavia have some limits.
“Even PSG, when it comes to breaking the bank, won’t keep their player and he’ll go to Real,” adds the director. “We’re part of a football chain and we’re not at the top of it.”
Will Liverpool come in for Diouf?
Given the clear need for Liverpool to bring some fresh blood in at left-back, a £15m move for Diouf sounds very appealing indeed.
There would of course be question marks over his ability to step up, though, and as the Senegalese is only 20, he would have a lot of learning to do.
As a result, although this would surely represent incredible value, we don’t see Liverpool pushing forward with their interest in Diouf either now or in the summer.
Palace look like being a good next step for the youngster and if the Eagles can get a deal over the line with Slavia, it’ll be fascinating to see how Diouf adapts to the Premier League.
From there, you can bet that Liverpool will be watching on with interest. But it’ll cost them a heck of a lot more to get him out of Selhurst Park.
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