Andoni Iraola is experiencing his first pre-season as Liverpool manager, with the task of replacing Mohamed Salah dominating his transfer window. Salah left Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, and his spot on the right flank remains vacant.
While Salah's departure seemed inevitable for months, Liverpool have so far been unable to advance talks with Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola. The £34 million acquisition of Spain striker Victor Munoz last month is the sole fresh addition to Liverpool's forward ranks as Iraola looks to accelerate his team's pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Diomande reaches verdict
The transfer story surrounding Yan Diomande has consumed much of the summer and appears to be nearing its climax. Real Madrid have joined the hunt for the RB Leipzig sensation and are said to be optimistic about securing a deal for his signature.
The Spanish powerhouse saw an £85 million offer turned down for his services, yet encouraging discussions with the 19-year-old's representatives have put Jose Mourinho's outfit in pole position. Diomande has been persistently linked with Liverpool, who submitted an identical proposal to Madrid's, which was promptly knocked back.
The Reds were also competing with Paris Saint-Germain for Diomande's signature, as the French champions were understood to be the Ivorian's preferred destination. The most recent development in his future now indicates his attention has turned to a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Winger alternative
Liverpool continue to search the market for a winger and may turn their gaze towards the Portuguese league once more to strengthen their attacking options. According to fussballdaten, Iraola is keeping tabs on Porto starlet Oskar Pietuszewski.
The 18-year-old only arrived at the club in January but has caught the eye of several European suitors with his displays, including the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Portuguese giants are reported to have inserted a £51.2 million release clause into the Polish winger's deal, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly at the front of the queue for his services.
