Liverpool target ‘next Erling Haaland’ as Salah successor in bold transfer move

April 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s planning for life after Mohamed Salah is already underway, with the club exploring younger attacking options as part of its long-term recruitment strategy.

Salah, who has confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 season, will depart as one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history. Replacing his output and presence will be a significant challenge, and Liverpool appear to be casting a wide net.

Among the names under consideration is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old Ivory Coast international who has attracted attention across Europe. According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are monitoring the forward alongside Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Emerging profile rather than proven star

Diomande represents a different type of target compared to some of the more established players linked with Liverpool, such as Michael Olise, Francisco Conceição and Bradley Barcola. Rather than a ready-made replacement, he would be a developmental signing aligned with the club’s recent transfer approach.

Since joining Leipzig from Leganés last summer, Diomande has adapted quickly to Bundesliga football. He has contributed 10 goals and seven assists in 27 league appearances, helping Leipzig remain in the upper tier of the table.

TeamTalk reports that figures within the Red Bull network view him as one of the most promising players to emerge from their system in recent years, drawing comparisons to the early trajectory of Erling Haaland during his time at RB Salzburg.

High valuation and growing competition

Leipzig are understood to value Diomande at around £87.3 million, according to the same report, with the player under contract until 2030. That price point could prove decisive in shaping the race for his signature.

Interest is not confined to England. Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be tracking his development, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been credited with admiration for the player. However, both clubs may be reluctant to meet Leipzig’s reported valuation, potentially strengthening the position of Premier League sides.

Recruitment model shapes Liverpool’s approach

Liverpool’s interest in a younger, high-upside player is consistent with the strategy outlined by head coach Arne Slot earlier this year.

“We have our own model over here, as I have said many times, and our model is that we sign young players,” Slot said.

“It is normal for younger players to have to adapt more to the Premier League than if you sign players who have already played in the Premier League, who are 27 and already at the end of their physical development.

“But that is exactly the reason why we have our model, because we believe players can improve. This club has shown that we can achieve things, as we did six years ago and last season, with our model.”

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That philosophy has already been reflected in recent business, including the signing of 20-year-old defender Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes.

Whether Diomande emerges as a serious successor to Salah remains uncertain, but his profile — young, productive, and in demand — fits the direction Liverpool appear determined to follow.

Sources: TeamTalk