Liverpool prepare for Man Utd showdown over Salah replacement

Liverpool have already beaten a Premier League rival to the signature of one wonderkid, and the Reds are looking to do the same for a talent also chased by Man Utd.

Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old winger with seven goals and four assists in 20 Bundesliga appearances, is the player in question.

Liverpool are said to view the Ivory Coast international as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, while Man Utd have reportedly held meetings with the player’s entourage ahead of a possible summer transfer, as reported by Sport Witness.

Diomande has had a meteoric rise this season after joining RB Leipzig for €20m from Spanish side Leganes. He earned a call-up to the Ivory Coast squad for the African Cup of Nations, where he made five appearances, scored against Burkina Faso in the round of 16, and led all players with 4.9 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Man Utd look to add firepower

Even after adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer transfer window, Man Utd still lack depth going forward.

The club can handle a small squad this season, as it is set to play just 40 games in all competitions due to a lack of European football and early exits in both domestic cup competitions.

But Man Utd is now on course for a UEFA Champions League place as it sits fourth in the table.

Clinching a Champions League spot will add a burden to the squad with more midweek games, but it also provides plenty of cash to spend in the transfer market.

RB Leipzig are in the same boat, as they are out of Europe this season but still on course for the Champions League despite just two wins in their last five matches. The club may find the opportunity to sell their prized wonderkid for close to nine figures too big to pass up.

Bringing in Diomande would give Man Utd more pace, flair, and goals and assists in attack while also keeping a talented player away from their rivals.

Liverpool want Diomande as Salah replacement

Rumours about Mohamed Salah finally leaving Liverpool have been rampant ever since his rant against the club before the January transfer window.

Liverpool managed to hold onto him through the winter window, but the Reds may find it is time to move on from him in the summer of 2026, when he will have a year to run on his contract.

Diomande, a prolific dribbler who can create chances for himself and others, may be the ideal replacement.

Salah has expressed disappointment that the summer signings of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak have changed his role. He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, as he was before he signed his two-year contract extension late last season.

Diomande, as a younger player and a right-footed right-winger, may be willing to play a more supporting role while providing width to the attack.

Liverpool already beat Chelsea to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. They will want to do the same against Man Utd for Diomande.

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