Liverpool line up Minteh, El Mala and Fernandez-Pardo if £86m Diomande bid fails

Liverpool are preparing contingency plans for their summer attacking rebuild after RB Leipzig rejected an offer of around £86m for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, with three named alternatives now in focus should the deal collapse entirely.

According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, the Reds have earmarked Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo as options if Diomande does not arrive. Jacobs also noted that Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is “another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.” Pace is reported to be the defining attribute Liverpool are prioritising across all targets.

Minteh, who joined Brighton from Newcastle United, has been the most prominent name in the Premier League among the alternatives. El Mala and Fernandez-Pardo represent younger, continental options as Liverpool look to invest in players who can grow under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

The pursuit of Diomande has been ongoing for several weeks, with Leipzig showing no willingness to negotiate below their asking price despite the two clubs holding talks. Liverpool’s opening bid was turned down, and the German side’s firm stance has forced the Merseyside club to map out alternative routes into the market.

The urgency is sharpened by Mo Salah’s exit this summer, which leaves a significant gap in Liverpool’s attacking options. The club has already moved to address that need elsewhere, reportedly hijacking Newcastle’s move for Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz by triggering his release clause. That signing is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Whether Liverpool return with an improved offer for Diomande or pivot to one of their backup targets will likely hinge on how far the club is willing to stretch its budget beyond the £86m already tabled.