Better signing than Diomande: Liverpool start work on deal for £70m star

This summer is set to be another one full of change for Liverpool Football Club, as winger Mohamed Salah will depart Anfield at the end of the current campaign.

The Egyptian announced he would be moving on to pastures new after nine years on Merseyside, subsequently doing so as one of the most influential players to wear the red shirt.

He’s scored 257 times in his 440 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, which ranks him only behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in the club’s all-time standings.

However, Arne Slot and the hierarchy have the huge task of replacing the 33-year-old this summer, which could see huge funds once again being splashed in the transfer market.

Numerous transfer targets have already been identified by the recruitment team, with moves expected for players in and outside the Premier League.

Liverpool start work on signing £70m Premier League star

Over recent weeks, RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has been one of Liverpool’s main transfer targets ahead of the summer, after setting the Bundesliga alight during 2025/26.

The 19-year-old winger has netted 12 league goals during his debut campaign in Germany, leading to the Reds entering talks to land the Ivorian when the window opens.

However, the current price tag could prove to be a stumbling block for Slot’s men, with a fee in the region of €100m (£87m) to secure the youngster’s signature.

Other areas of the pitch are also expected to be bolstered by the hierarchy during the off-season, as Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has once again emerged on their shortlist.

According to reports relayed by TEAMtalk, Liverpool have already started talks with the Eagles over a potential deal to land the England international during the summer window.

The report states that the 22-year-old has been identified as the top target to replace Curtis Jones, who could depart this window as a result of his lack of first-team minutes.

Like Diomande, a deal could cost a pretty penny during the summer transfer window, with Oliver Glasner’s side demanding a fee in the region of £70m for his services.

Why Wharton would be a better signing than Diomande for Liverpool

As previously mentioned, a deal for Diomande this summer could well be on the cards, with the RB Leipzig star seen as the dream replacement for the outgoing Salah.

He’s proven this term that he’s a huge talent despite his tender age, leading to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also keen on a big-money deal for the teenager.

However, whilst the positives are there for all to see, caution must be taken around such a move, with the big-money transfer opening up the possibility of a failed transfer.

His one season in Europe’s top-five leagues only offers a small sample size for the Reds, which should see the hierarchy target a more experienced and Premier League-proven wide man.

Whilst he may operate in a different position to Diomande, a deal for Wharton could be a better one for the Reds, with the Englishman able to thrive at the heart of the side for many years to come.

Unlike the Ivorian, he’s been a consistent performer in England’s top-flight over recent seasons, often catching the eye with his mind-boggling underlying figures.

Many of his stats from the current campaign highlight his quality at such a young age, with £70m potentially being a bargain should a deal be completed during the upcoming window.

Wharton may have failed to score a single goal this campaign, but his tally of five assists in England’s top-flight demonstrates his ability to provide chances for those ahead of him.

His impressive ability to provide for those ahead of him is further reflected in his tally of 0.5 big chances created per 90 – a tally higher than 96% of other midfielders in the division.

He’s also managed to complete 52% of the dribbles he’s attempted this term, whilst completing 28% of his crosses into the opposition box – reaffirming his sensational ability in possession.

However, without the ball, the Englishman has also caught the eye, as seen by his remarkable tally of 2.4 tackles made and 5.5 ball recoveries made per 90 to date.

As a result, he could be the perfect long-term box-to-box option for the Reds, also having the top-division experience to be an immediate hit with the fans at Anfield.

There’s no doubting that Diomande would be an exciting signing for Liverpool, but given the frantic summer last time around, the hierarchy need to prioritise guaranteed successful signings.

£87m on a player who’s never featured in England before would be somewhat of a risk, with Wharton able to take his career to the next level on Merseyside after catching the eye at Selhurst Park.