Liverpool are reportedly optimistic of signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig this summer, but are putting plans in place in case the Ivorian goes elsewhere.
Along with the Reds, Paris Saint-Germain are said to be very keen on Diomande and will push to convince him of a move to the Parc des Princes.
If the European champions succeed in their mission, Liverpool will have to readjust their expectations. And having already signed Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, journalist Ben Jacobs says that one of four potential Diomande alternatives would then arrive at Anfield.
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Barcola, El Mala, Minteh and Fernandez-Pardo attracting Liverpool
Alongside the interest in Diomande, Liverpool have been tracking PSG’s Bradley Barcola ahead of the summer window.
As a result, it is no surprise to see Jacobs name the Frenchman as being on the Reds’ four-man shortlist.
He is not the only one being targeted, though, with Koln’s Said El Mala, Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille and Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh all said to be waiting in reserve.
“Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Munoz,” Jacobs posted to X on Thursday afternoon.
“Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig’s asking price, there are other targets. Understand pace is the key criteria.
“Also on the list are Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
“All options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive. Bradley Barcola another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.”
Though Barcola is, in reality, a cut or two above the other reserve options, it will simply be heartening for fans to hear that the distinct lack of pace in the team is finally being addressed.
Whichever of these four joins Munoz as a new Liverpool player this summer, they will bring excitement speed and, hopefully, goals, three things which have been sorely missing from the Reds of late.
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