Getty
Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot during a game against Brighton in February 2026
Despite already investing heavily in the squad last summer, Liverpool appear prepared to once again spend aggressively when the next transfer window opens.
The Reds committed more than $600 million during the previous offseason, highlighted by blockbuster moves for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Those two signings alone accounted for over $325 million as the club attempted to reshape the attack under manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool were quieter during the January window, but still made a notable addition by beating Chelsea to the signing of Rennes teenage centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal reportedly worth $80 million.
Now, with one eye firmly on the future, Liverpool may be preparing another ambitious move.
Liverpool Shift Transfer Focus After Olise Move Ruled Out
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise had been viewed internally as a “dream target.” However, a move for the French star is now considered unrealistic.
“Michael Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made,” Plettenberg wrote on X. “However, [Liverpool] now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic.”
“He is not for sale. In addition, FC Bayern are looking to extend his contract beyond 2029, with plans to improve his current deal. Incredible 13G/25A this season yet.”
With that option effectively off the table, Plettenberg reports that Liverpool have shifted their attention towards RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, continuing their focus on Bundesliga talent.
Interest in the 19-year-old has also been reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, who claims Leipzig are preparing for substantial offers amid growing interest across Europe, with Manchester United also interested.
“The Premier League duo are preparing to accelerate their interest in the 19-year-old starlet, with Bayern Munich also showing a significant interest in his services,” O’Rourke wrote.
“RB Leipzig don’t want to lose the forward, but they have accepted that they will sell him at the right price, and sources have indicated that the race for his signature is currently wide open.”
Rising Leipzig Star Emerging as Major Transfer Target
Diomande has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Germany, recording 10 goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
The winger is currently in the first year of a five-year contract after completing a $23 million move from La Liga side Leganes last summer.
His rise has also carried onto the international stage. Since 2025, Diomande has represented Ivory Coast at senior level, earning nine caps and scoring three goals.
O’Rourke added that the youngster is “regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents in Europe, and he is expected to be one of the biggest stories of this summer’s window.”
Liverpool reportedly view Diomande as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, though securing his signature could require a fee exceeding $100 million.
Should such a deal materialize, he would become the latest high-profile player to depart RB Leipzig for the Premier League, following recent moves involving Dominik Szoboszlai, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons.
Liverpool’s urgency in the transfer market has been heightened by a challenging title defense.
After lifting the Premier League trophy last season, the Reds currently sit sixth in the table following a late 2-1 defeat to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
With the summer window approaching, Liverpool’s pursuit of emerging stars like Diomande could prove central to their plans to rebuild momentum and return to the top of English soccer.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
More Heavy on Liverpool
Loading more stories
