Liverpool are preparing contingency plans in their search for a Mohamed Salah successor, with reports indicating the club is now considering Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig as a viable alternative. The Merseyside giants face complications in their primary target, Yan Diomande, with the Leipzig hierarchy resisting a summer sale of the talented Ivorian winger.
The Reds confirmed in March that Salah would depart Anfield at season's end, allowing the Egyptian winger a proper farewell to supporters. This season has seen Salah's output dip significantly, contributing just seven goals and six assists across 26 Premier League matches—a stark contrast to his 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances last term when he helped Liverpool secure the league title. With the club currently fifth in the standings, securing quality attacking reinforcement becomes increasingly urgent.
Diomande Deal Facing Major Obstacles
Diomande emerged as Liverpool's leading target to replace Salah, with the club's decision-makers reportedly approving the move in April. Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg revealed that concrete discussions were underway with the winger's representatives at Roc Nation Sports, though no official agreement had been reached and formal club negotiations had not commenced. PSG, under Luis Campos' direction, has also entered the race and met with his agents.
RB Leipzig, however, remains unwilling to facilitate an exit. Club boss Oliver Mintzlaff recently stated: "If I were the sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us yet, regardless of the asking price." The 19-year-old is valued at approximately £86.2m, with Leipzig keen to extend his contract and adjust his salary upward. Journalist Christian Falk reinforced this stance, indicating the club plans to extend Diomande's deal while including a release clause rather than allow a summer departure.
Nusa Emerges as Backup Option
With Diomande's availability increasingly doubtful, Liverpool's recruitment team has shifted focus toward Nusa, also of Leipzig, as a more attainable prospect. The forward offers similar attacking prowess at a potentially more negotiable valuation of around £48m. This strategic pivot reflects pragmatic planning from the Anfield hierarchy, recognizing that Leipzig's resolve to retain their young talent may prove too formidable to overcome.
As the transfer window approaches, Liverpool must balance ambition with realism in replacing one of the Premier League's most decorated attacking talents. The club's next move will define their ability to mount a genuine title challenge in the coming campaign.
