Iraola Backs Diomande Swoop as Liverpool Plot Shock Midfield Business

Andoni Iraola is taking an active role in Liverpool's attempts to land Yan Diomande, as the Reds edge closer to securing the 19-year-old from RB Leipzig ahead of PSG's competing interest.

The Ivorian speedster has emerged as Liverpool's prime target to eventually fill Mohamed Salah's boots, with recent developments pointing firmly in the Merseysiders' direction. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has identified two key advantages working in Liverpool's favour over their French counterparts: the Reds are offering superior wages, and PSG face complications with their Bradley Barcola situation. Should the France winger remain at the Parc des Princes, there's simply insufficient space in the squad for Diomande—a scenario PSG would rather avoid unless a blockbuster offer materialises for Barcola himself.

That positioning leaves Liverpool well-placed, particularly after reports emerged Tuesday suggesting Diomande is now prioritising a move to Anfield. Iraola's hands-on involvement has proven crucial, with the new manager demonstrating genuine faith in the player rather than simply rubber-stamping a boardroom decision.

Midfield Overhaul on the Agenda

Beyond Diomande's arrival, Liverpool are plotting additional attacking reinforcements, given the genuine possibility that Federico Chiesa or Cody Gakpo could depart this summer.

Yet perhaps more intriguingly, the club is simultaneously conducting reconnaissance work in central midfield. Both The Athletic and Romano have flagged this as an area requiring attention, with the latter suggesting Liverpool are actively making enquiries across the market.

Iraola has inherited a midfield cohort containing Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo. However, this group faces potential upheaval. Inter Milan are pursuing Jones with genuine intent, and following stalled contract negotiations, Liverpool appear resigned to cashing in. Meanwhile, Romano has indicated Mac Allister could also be on his way out this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano outlined the situation: "In midfield, there could be movements. I would not be surprised if Liverpool go for a new midfielder, it's a possibility. Liverpool are making some calls for midfielders over the recent days and weeks. So I expect movement at Liverpool in terms of midfielders."

He added: "Let's see what happens on the future of Alexis Mac Allister, and with Curtis Jones who is wanted by Inter Milan. So also in terms of exits, what's going to happen, but Liverpool are checking the midfielders market."

Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Bournemouth's Alex Scott have regularly surfaced in connection with the club over recent months, though no specific target has crystallised just yet.