Liverpool face PSG competition for £86.7m Diomande as Iraola eyes Australian wonderkid

Liverpool’s summer rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola is taking shape, but two of their key transfer targets are attracting rival interest that could complicate their plans.

The Reds have already had an opening bid of £86.7 million for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande turned down, and PSG are now monitoring the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international. The European champions have not yet made a formal approach, but according to Fabrizio Romano, they are expected to offload Kang-in Lee to Atletico Madrid first — with personal terms progressing and an agreement edging closer. Should that sale be completed, PSG could move to formalise their interest in Diomande, though reports indicate they will only do so if the player signals a willingness to move to Paris.

PSG’s attacking depth — featuring Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola — raises questions about whether there is room for another high-profile winger. But if they do enter the race, Liverpool would face a formidable rival for one of their primary targets this window.

On the defensive front, Liverpool are reportedly scouting 18-year-old Australian centre-back Lucas Herrington, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona. Herrington was named on the bench for both of Australia’s opening 2026 World Cup group matches and is considered one of the country’s most promising young defenders.

The pursuit of both players reflects the scale of the overhaul Iraola faces. Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season and are now navigating a significant transition, with Mohamed Salah’s departure leaving a major void in attack. Reinforcing both the forward line and the defence are clear priorities as the club attempts to rebuild its title credentials.