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Yesterday — 22 June 2026CaughtOffside

Liverpool identify four winger alternatives if €100m Yan Diomande deal collapses

22 June 2026 at 03:13

Liverpool are already drawing up contingency plans in case their ambitious move for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande falls through, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs reports that the Reds saw an €80m+€20m bid swiftly rejected, with Diomande still regarded as a priority target. However, there is growing acceptance at Anfield that the club cannot allow the deal to drag into August, particularly given the urgency to strengthen wide attacking areas this summer.

As a result, Liverpool recruitment staff are actively assessing alternative options should Leipzig refuse to engage in negotiations.

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Yankuba Minteh and Said El Mala among emerging Liverpool alternatives

Liverpool’s recruitment team are understood to be keeping close tabs on Yankuba Minteh, who has impressed with his direct attacking style and pace in wide areas, making him a strong stylistic fit for the Premier League side’s system.

Alongside him, Said El Mala is also being considered as a surprise option, with internal discussions highlighting his potential and long-term upside.

Both players are viewed as realistic alternatives if the pursuit of Diomande stalls, particularly given Liverpool’s desire to add dynamism and depth in wide attacking positions this summer.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is another player mentioned by Jacobs, while Bradley Barcola remains a long-term name of interest despite his higher valuation and competition from other European clubs.

Understand Liverpool's bid for Yan Diomande was actually €80m+€20m not €90m+€10m, as originally thought.

Liverpool view Diomande as a priority, while PSG could bid as well. Optimism player wants to join. Yet if Leipzig don't engage over a sale, Liverpool are also prepared to… pic.twitter.com/vSLs3goWEe

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 21, 2026

How the three Liverpool alternatives compare statistically in output and impact

While Liverpool’s shortlist is built around different profiles, their recent output also highlights clear differences in productivity and attacking influence.

Yankuba Minteh has stood out for his direct goal involvement, combining dribbling volume with end product from wide areas.

His numbers reflect a player who consistently looks to take defenders on and create chances in transition-heavy systems, making him one of the more statistically explosive options on the list.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo offers a more balanced statistical profile, contributing across multiple attacking metrics rather than specialising in one area.

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His output suggests a player involved in build-up phases as well as final-third actions, underlining his versatility across forward roles.

Bradley Barcola vs Minteh via DataMB

By contrast, Bradley Barcola operates at a higher competitive level, and his statistical output is shaped by elite-level European football demands.

While his raw numbers are more difficult to directly compare, his involvement in high-quality chance creation and consistent attacking contributions highlight why he remains the most established name among Liverpool’s alternatives.

The post Liverpool identify four winger alternatives if €100m Yan Diomande deal collapses appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Before yesterdayCaughtOffside

What next? Liverpool plans after agreeing deal for Muñoz explained by reliable journalist

18 June 2026 at 16:47

Liverpool are not expected to stop after moving for Victor Muñoz, with the club still planning to add another quick attacker to their squad this summer.

According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are looking for an extra winger or forward even with Muñoz arriving.

The key requirement is pace, which tells you a lot about the direction of the club’s rebuild under Andoni Iraola.

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Liverpool want attackers who can stretch defenses, press aggressively and give them more threat in transition.

The Guardian reported that Liverpool have secured Muñoz from Osasuna in a deal worth around £34.5m, beating Newcastle to his signature.

However, that deal appears to be only one part of a wider attacking plan.

Main target faces competition

Yan Diomande remains a player Liverpool are optimistic about, but the situation is complicated. PSG are also interested, while RB Leipzig’s asking price is extremely high.

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ESPN has reported that Leipzig are demanding around €130m, which makes the deal difficult even for a club as ambitious as Liverpool.

That explains why the Reds are keeping alternatives open. Köln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are all understood to be on the list if Diomande does not arrive.

Liverpool keeping options open

Fernandez-Pardo is another exciting name, with FootballTransfers reporting that Lille value him at around €70m.

Brighton’s Minteh would bring Premier League experience, while El Mala looks more like a high-upside development option.Brighton’s Minteh would bring Premier League experience, while El Mala looks more like a high-upside development option.

Bradley Barcola is also a player Liverpool have looked at this summer.

Liverpool’s strategy looks clear. They are not just buying names, they are building an attack based on pace, versatility and future resale value. If Diomande proves too expensive, Liverpool already have several routes ready.

The post What next? Liverpool plans after agreeing deal for Muñoz explained by reliable journalist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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