Liverpool have finally settled on their preferred forward to replace soon-to-depart club legend Mohamed Salah.
Despite signing a new two-year contract with the Merseyside club in 2025, Salah announced his imminent Liverpool exit earlier this season on social media, thanking the club and fans for their support.
While the Egyptian forward’s announcement came as a surprise, close sources reveal both the player and the club have agreed to end their collaboration, bringing Salah’s Anfield exit forward by one year before his contract expires.
Details of both parties’ understanding regarding Salah’s exit remain sketchy, but recent developments suggest the 33-year-old is out of Arne Slot’s plans for next season.
He was benched in both legs of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal clash against PSG, signalling his reduced role in the team.
At the end of the season, the Reds are prepared to bid farewell to over nine years of his industrious career with the club.
Meanwhile, the search for his replacement had been underway long before he announced his imminent exit.
Notable mentions in the Reds’ shortlist to replace the Egyptian were Bayern Munich and former Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise.
The Reds considered the French forward a good stand-in for Salah due to his pace, speed, playmaking, goal-scoring prowess, and Premier League experience, but faced a setback due to potential cost and competition.
Fast-rising Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré also made their watching brief, but a potential deal was ruled out with Hoffenheim intent on keeping the youngster.
Liverpool settle on RB Leipzig Star to replace Salah
After their extensive search, Liverpool have reportedly settled on RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande to step into Salah’s shoes.
According to Plettigoal, the Liverpool board have approved a move for Diomande and talks have begun with the player’s camp for a deal.
Diomande signed his first professional contract with RB Leipzig in 2025 and has risen up the ranks fast to become one of the most sought-after wingers in the world.
The 2006-born Ivorian talent has already scored three goals in nine caps with the Ivorian national team. He has 12 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig this season, establishing himself as a priority winger from the German side.
The 19-year-old is contracted to RB Leipzig till 2030 with the club reportedly hopeful of keeping him for the foreseeable future amidst interests by top European clubs.
They have reportedly placed a huge €100m asking price on him to deter suitors, but it’s believed a sizeable offer could be enough to force through a sale.
Diomande could prove a big catch for a Liverpool side intent on replacing Salah with a younger and developing winger, but they are likely to face stiff competition from PSG who are also interested in the player.
