Liverpool's Summer Transfer Plans: Diomande and Fernandes on the Radar
Liverpool are braced for a summer of upheaval, and the first domino is about to fall.
Andoni Iraola is set to be confirmed as the new manager at Anfield this week, replacing Arne Slot and ushering in a fresh era on Merseyside. Behind the scenes, the club have already started to reshape the squad he will inherit – and one of Europe’s most exciting teenagers has given them the answer they wanted.
Diomande says yes
According to French journalist Santi Aouna, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has given the green light to a move to Liverpool, as well as to Paris Saint-Germain, ahead of the transfer window opening on June 15.
At 19, Diomande is not just another name on a longlist. He is Liverpool’s priority target to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah. The Ivorian has just completed a breakout season in the Bundesliga, finishing with 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig – numbers that underline why he is already being talked about as a “superstar” in the making.
Now the hard part begins. Liverpool and PSG must convince Leipzig to sell. One journalist has suggested the German club could demand up to €120m (£104m) for their prized asset, a fee that would test even the most ambitious recruitment plans.
For Liverpool, the need is clear. Salah has gone. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté, two of the dressing room’s loudest voices, have also departed. The spine of the team’s personality has been ripped out in a single summer, and Iraola walks into a squad that needs not just talent, but presence.
Jeremy Jacquet is already on his way after Liverpool struck a £60m deal for the centre-back in January, with the Frenchman due to arrive on Merseyside in the coming weeks. At left-back, the club are weighing up Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas as they look to recalibrate the defensive unit.
Up front, the picture is even more urgent. Hugo Ekitike faces a long spell out, with a ruptured Achilles likely to sideline him until 2027. The 2025–26 season has already raised doubts about whether Liverpool can trust the fitness of club-record signing Alexander Isak. Depth is thin. Quality even thinner.
That is why Diomande matters. A young, explosive wide forward, proven in a major European league, willing to step into Salah’s shadow and make it his own. Liverpool have their man’s approval. Now they need Leipzig’s.
Liverpool step into United’s lane
While Liverpool chase one of the most coveted wingers in Europe, they are also prepared to collide head-on with their fiercest rivals in midfield.
Manchester United, fresh from sealing a return to the Champions League, have been leading the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Portugal international has permission to leave the relegated Irons this summer, determined to avoid a season in the Championship after being one of their standout performers in the Premier League.
Fernandes has suffered back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham, but his individual reputation has soared. At just 21, he has emerged from both campaigns with glowing reviews, widely regarded as one of the best players at each club despite their collective failings.
United’s pitch is obvious: a move to Old Trafford and the chance to link up with compatriot Bruno Fernandes. They have been viewed as favourites, but Liverpool are now described as “ones to watch” in what is shaping up to be one of the window’s fiercest transfer battles, according to TEAMtalk.
West Ham want £80m for their star midfielder. The market, as ever, is pushing back. Bids are expected closer to £60m, with Arsenal and PSG also in the conversation.
Liverpool’s interest is a statement. This is not a quiet reset under a new coach. With Iraola on the brink of appointment, Diomande already signalling his willingness to come, and Fernandes now firmly on their radar, the club are not just rebuilding a squad.
They are picking a fight at the top end of the market – and with their oldest enemies – to decide what the next version of Liverpool will look like.
