Liverpool pick their top transfer target just one day after Arne Slot leaves, with a star player already in sight.
Liverpool is pushing ahead with signing one of their top targets this summer, even after the surprise departure of Arne Slot. Slot was let go on Saturday afternoon following a tough second season in charge.
Although he won the Premier League in his first season with the Reds, Slot faced criticism for his style of play and sometimes seemed a bit distant during press conferences. Liverpool hadn’t planned on parting ways with him right after their last game against Brentford. The club wanted to keep him, but a thorough review at the end of the season led to the decision to move on.
In a statement, Liverpool said that making changes was necessary to keep improving. They did qualify for the Champions League but only managed 60 points, their lowest total in ten years.
This summer was already set to be full of changes at Liverpool, with several players leaving. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have confirmed they’re leaving, and Ibrahima Konate is likely to go after failing to agree on a new contract.
Even without a new manager yet, finding someone to replace Salah’s goals will be a big priority for Liverpool’s leaders when shopping for new players. Sporting director Richard Hughes knows the club can’t fall behind, especially since rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are already making moves to sign midfielders Ederson and Elliot Anderson.
Hughes is reportedly keen on appointing Andoni Iraola as the new manager. Hughes and Iraola worked together before at Bournemouth, and Iraola recently left the club.
According to teamTALK, Hughes is also speeding up talks to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old is interested in a move after a strong season where he scored 12 goals and made nine assists in 33 Bundesliga games.
Bayern Munich knows about Diomande but prefers to wait until 2027 to try to sign him. Liverpool, however, is ready to make a deal worth around £87 million to bring him in.
When asked about his future recently, the Ivory Coast player said: “My contract here runs until 2030, so I have four more years. What will happen after that? I don’t know. I’m a Leipzig player.
“I will always remember this opportunity. It’s not just about playing football—the club has helped me a lot off the pitch. The media only sees me on the field, but they’ve supported me and my family.
“The best thing I can do for them is to give my all on the field, and that’s exactly what I try to do every day.”