Iraola Targets Leipzig Star Diomande as First Liverpool Signing; Gomez to Stay Put

The dust has barely settled on Arne Slot's shock departure, but incoming Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is already plotting his first piece of business at Anfield.

The Bournemouth boss, who will replace the sacked Premier League title-winning manager when he takes the reins this summer, has identified RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as his priority target. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Iraola's appointment is all but rubber-stamped, with the Spaniard set to agree terms with Liverpool next week after the club made their decision crystal clear.

"The decision from the club is already made. They want Iraola as new coach, number one, two, and three on the list, so no chance for other candidates," Romano stated in a video update on X.

Now, the new boss wants to get straight down to business. Spanish outlet Sport reports that Diomande – identified as Liverpool's chosen target – is "beginning to lean towards the offer from Anfield" as Iraola's arrival looms. The winger has attracted interest from PSG too, but Liverpool's promise of a guaranteed starting role appears to be swaying the Bundesliga talent, particularly given the depth of attacking firepower already at the French club with Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé on their books.

The recruitment drive comes with urgency, following Mohamed Salah's summer exit announcement. Liverpool are keen to bolster their attacking options, and Diomande fits the bill as an established European talent ready for the step up.

On the defensive front, Joe Gomez's future has been clarified. With Ibrahima Konate set to depart when his contract expires, Liverpool's longest-serving player will see out the final year of his deal before moving on, according to The Athletic's James Pearce. It's a measured approach to squad management as Iraola prepares to reshape the Reds.