Liverpool meeting agents to seal £60m signing

Andoni Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool boss has brought about a newfound sense of excitement that the club can once again challenge for the Premier League title.

The Reds’ fifth-placed finish under Arne Slot last term was deemed unacceptable, subsequently resulting in the Dutchman being replaced by the Spaniard at Anfield.

The latter’s heavy mental attacking football is bound to make him a hit with the supporters, especially after Mohamed Salah’s outcry for more forward-minded football.

However, the new boss will be unable to call upon the Egyptian after the attacker played his final game for the club during the final day clash with Brentford.

As a result, the hierarchy will have to back Iraola with new additions this window, potentially spending a small fortune once again after splashing £450m on new additions last summer.

Liverpool battling to land £60m star this summer

Even though the transfer window doesn’t open until Monday, Liverpool have already been linked with a move for a whole host of top-level attacking talents this summer.

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been the most consistent name linked with the Reds, but the Ivorian is also said to be on the shortlist of French giants PSG.

The 19-year-old would also be a hugely expensive addition for Iraola’s men, as the Bundesliga side are demanding at least £86m to part ways with their star man.

However, the midfield department is also set to be bolstered during the upcoming transfer window, with Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi named as another current target.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have been in “direct” talks to land the Moroccan international, who made 42 appearances across all competitions throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

He also states that Arsenal are another Premier League club hunting the 18-year-old’s signature this window, with both clubs said to have held “meetings” with the player’s agents.

It’s unclear if the player himself wants a move during this window, but a £60m price tag has been placed on his head to fend off any interest this summer.

Why Bouaddi would be a bigger talent than Diomande for Liverpool

As previously mentioned, Liverpool’s interest in securing the signature of Diomande has been no secret, with the RB Leipzig star even being touted as the club’s top target.

Such interest is no surprise given his remarkable levels in recent months, with the teenager registering 20 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season.

The right-winger could prove to be the perfect replacement for the outgoing Salah, with the youngster able to feature in such a role for at least the next decade.

His £86m price tag could prove to be the biggest stumbling block, but it’s a deal the hierarchy desperately should be looking to tie up in the months ahead.

Added reinforcements are undoubtedly needed at the heart of the side, which could see a move for Bouaddi become a distinct possibility during the months ahead.

The 18-year-old has also been consistently linked with a move to Anfield in recent times, but his recent star performances at the World Cup could make it the perfect time for Iraola’s side to strike.

Any move for the Moroccan could see him provide Diomande with countless chances in the attacking third for the Reds – which could bring huge success to Anfield in the years ahead.

The Ivorian would certainly be the beneficiary of Bouaddi’s quality, which has seen analyst Ben Mattinson previously label the teenage sensation as “exceptional”.

During his 90-minute display against Brazil on Saturday night, the youngster completed 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst completing three successful dribbles.

Such numbers will be music to the ears of Diomande, who could even find the net on more occasions next season should he form a partnership with Bouaddi on Merseyside.

The Lille star’s talent doesn’t end there, as the midfielder managed to win four tackles and made six ball recoveries during the score draw against the South American giants.

The aforementioned figures could see a needed ball-winner added to the Reds’ midfield this summer, undoubtedly aiding the attackers as they can stay high and produce heavy metal attacking football.

Spending over £140m on the signings of Bouaddi and Diomande would be a huge statement of intent from the Liverpool board this window, but it’s an investment that could prove vital in the years ahead.

Both are just getting started in their professional careers, with Iraola’s side potentially landing two talents who could thrive alongside one another and take the club back to title glory in the future.