Liverpool have been warned off signing Yan Diomande this summer, with former midfielder Jason McAteer telling the club to prioritise upgrades down the right flank. The departure of Mohamed Salah has created a vacancy on the wing, while injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong left the Reds short-handed at right-back last season.
McAteer demands right-sided reinforcements
Speaking to Betarades.gr, McAteer said: 'I think the areas of concern are down Liverpool's right-hand side, having lost Trent [Alexander-Arnold] two seasons ago. It vacated a big, big space which we obviously thought Conor Bradley would slot into. You felt Conor was ready to go into that position but unfortunately through injury and performances he's not been able to do that.'
McAteer added that Frimpong 'is not an ideal right-back in defensive situations. He's more of a wing-back, more of an attacking player. So he's had to fill in and we've had [Dominik] Szoboszlai play right-back too so it's not been great.' The former Liverpool midfielder believes Salah's departure was partly unsettled by the right-back issues, and now both positions need addressing.
Diomande price tag and PSG interest
Yan Diomande, who would cost in excess of £100 million, has been linked with Liverpool but Paris Saint-Germain appear to have taken pole position. McAteer noted: 'Diomande did okay during the World Cup... but the fact that you're looking at maybe paying £100m for him means that you're kind of looking for him to set the world alight.' He recommended France winger Bradley Barcola as a superior signing: 'Between Diomande and Barcola I would probably go for Barcola right now. I don't think Liverpool need to buy potential anymore.'
Liverpool win race for teenage talent Isaiah Bryan
Liverpool have secured 14-year-old centre-back Isaiah Bryan from West Brom for a compensation fee of £200,000, beating Aston Villa to his signature. Bryan announced on Instagram: 'Proud to announce that I’m joining Liverpool Football Club. It’s an honour to become part of a great club.' He is expected to join Liverpool's under-15s.
Manager Andoni Iraola has already signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz this summer, but McAteer insists more work is needed, particularly on the right side. Liverpool's pre-season begins with a friendly against Sunderland in Nashville next Saturday.
