Hughes Ready to Smash Transfer Record as Liverpool Eye Diomande for Slot Succession

The Anfield overhaul is well underway. With Arne Slot's dismissal confirmed on Saturday, Liverpool's hierarchy is already mapping out their summer business—and it starts with a statement signing.

Andoni Iraola is poised to take the managerial reins at Liverpool after departing Bournemouth, having reportedly turned down approaches from Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen to pursue the Merseyside opportunity. The Spaniard has apparently made his mind up: Anfield is his destination.

Sporting director Richard Hughes isn't wasting time. Top of his shopping list is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international whom Liverpool view as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah—the Egyptian having already announced his summer exit following a fractious campaign under Slot.

Hughes wants the deal wrapped up before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, and there's genuine movement on the file. Diomande's representatives have indicated the player is keen on a switch to Anfield, but Leipzig are holding firm. The German club are demanding a minimum of €100million (£86.7m) for their winger.

Here's the thing: FSG appear willing to meet that asking price. If they do, Diomande would become the most expensive Ivorian player ever transferred. That record is currently held by Nicolas Pepe, who joined Arsenal from Lille for €80million (£72m at the time) back in summer 2019.

Diomande himself hasn't hidden his ambitions. When asked recently about Leipzig's reported €150million valuation, he acknowledged the eye-watering figure whilst making clear his desire to test himself at elite level.

"I'm not going to hide my desires or my dreams," he said. "I want to play for a big club, of course."

The youngster has an interesting backstory. After trials at Glasgow Rangers, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Olympiacos—all of which went well on the pitch—he eventually parted ways with his agent and signed professionally with Leganés while still a teenager. His conversation with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino during his trial came to nothing, but his journey has clearly caught Liverpool's eye.

With Salah heading for the exit and Iraola arriving to reshape the squad, Liverpool's recruitment team is moving decisively. A nine-figure outlay on Diomande would certainly signal their intent.