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Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

  Hassan Afolabi July 1, 2026

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

Following a major transfer setback with Yan Diomande verbally agreeing to join Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool have to shift their focus to other alternative high-profile wingers to replace club legend Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool's transfer plans have been dealt a substantial blow as they search for a successor to the departed Mohamed Salah with their primary target Yan Diomande chosing to join European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

HF World can confirm that the 19-year-old Ivorian international has reached a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, where he believes he has the finest opportunity to flourish and eventually challenge for the Ballon d'Or.

With Leipzig demanding a staggering £100 million fee and the player preferring Ligue 1, the Merseysiders must now look elsewhere to patch the vacancy on the right wing.

Fortunately, the recruitment team at Anfield has a sensational options of versatile wide options shortlisted. From Bundesliga starlets to proven Premier League talents, here are the five players Liverpool is considering to spearhead their new attacking era.

5 Liverpool alternatives to Yan Diomande

Said El Mala (Cologne)

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

If Liverpool wants to continue shopping in Germany, Cologne’s teenage winger Said El Mala presents an incredibly cost-effective alternative as he represents a saving of nearly £70 million compared to Diomande.

At just 19 years old, the German has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, logging 13 goals and five assists in all 34 league appearances.

Reports from FussballDaten suggest that the Reds view his blistering pace and technical superiority as a perfect fit for either a wide attacking role or as a central advanced playmaker under new coach Andoni Iraola. 

However, securing his signature will require navigating intense competition from Premier League rivals like Newcastle, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest, but should the Reds position him as their infinite option, they can easily beat off their rivals.

Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

For a target with established Premier League pedigree, Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh is high on the shortlist. The 21-year-old winger has been excellent since his 2024 move from Newcastle, delivering 10 goals and nine assists across two seasons for the Seagulls. 

Crucially, he was a standout performer under current Liverpool manager Arne Slot during a highly successful loan spell at Feyenoord, where he recorded 16 goal contributions during his loan spell in 2023.

Minteh is a familiar threat to the Anfield faithful, having terrorized the Reds' defense during Brighton’s 2-1 victory back in March, and additionally, is well vast with Premier League experience.

According to reports, Liverpool has a $52 million valuation in mind for the Gambian international, making him one of the most financially practical choices available.

Rayan (Bournemouth)

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

A fascinating option comes in the form of Bournemouth's Brazilian forward, Rayan, who earned quite a reputation for himself in just six months in England following his move from Vasco da Gama.

The 19-year-old possesses a unique familiarity with top-tier management and is currently showcasing his abilities on the global stage with Brazil at the World Cup, recently setting up Vinicius Jr in a 3-0 victory against Scotland.

Rayan has seven goal contributions in 15 appearances for the Cherries. While his release clause stands at a hefty £86 million, Liverpool's recruitment team could leverage established club relationships to negotiate a lower fee.

Though his current output is statistically lower than Diomande’s, his raw ceiling and tournament form make him an attractive prospect.

Bradley Barcola (PSG)

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

In an ironic twist of market dynamics, Diomande’s impending arrival at Paris Saint-Germain could inadvertently push Liverpool’s long-term target, Bradley Barcola, out the exit door.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano previously noted that the club loves Barcola and are discussing him every week. Even though recent reports are suggesting PSG would want to keep him, becoming the forefront of Liverpool's project could sway him.

The £80m-rated French international boasts a wealth of high-level experience, amassing 39 goals and 27 assists in 152 senior matches since his days at Lyon.

With contract extension talks stalled at the Parc des Princes, French media indicates that the Reds have already made an official approach, and PSG may be willing to authorize a transfer if Barcola formally requests a move.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)

Five Liverpool alternatives after Yan Diomande setback

Rounding out the shortlist is Belgian international Matias Fernandez-Pard, who has captured attention across Europe for his capacity to occupy any position across the front line, including a central striking role.

With 23 goal contributions in 71 appearances for French side Lille, Fernandez-Pardo is currently gaining vital experience representing Belgium at the World Cup.

He carries a realistic price tag of roughly £45 million. Liverpool will need to act decisively, however, as Newcastle is eager to hijack the deal after losing out to the Reds in previous transfer battles.

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