Liverpool F.C. has identified Said El Mala as an alternative to Yan Diomande after the Ivorian forward picked Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. As they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign, Diomande was seen as Liverpool's priority target.

What happened?

The Reds appeared to be firmly in the driving seat to sign Diomande but, after their €100 million (£86.7m) offer for Diomande was turned down by RB Leipzig, they were dealt a huge blow on Sunday.

A report from The Athletic confirmed that the teenager has chosen PSG as his next destination if he decides to leave the Bundesliga this summer, as he believes in their project and wants to play under Luis Enrique.

Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool are now showing serious interest in El Mala, who has impressed at FC Koln, registering 13 goals and five assists in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side last term.

CategoryStat
League standing5th in Premier League, 60 pts, 17W-9D-12L from 38 games, recent form DLDLW
Goals this season63 scored, 53 conceded (+10 goal difference)
Title race25 points behind leaders Arsenal

What comes next?

German outlet FussballDaten claimed on Saturday that Liverpool were planning to officially approach the player and his representatives in the event of 'potential difficulties or a stall' in the Diomande transfer. FC Koln president Jorn Stobbe issued a strong warning to potential suitors, saying: 'We would be pretty crazy to just let such a great player go early.' El Mala joined FC Koln from local rivals Viktoria Koln in the summer of 2024, although he was immediately loaned back for the 2024-25 season because of the Bundesliga side's transfer ban. Brentford are said to have made an offer worth £43 million for El Mala in June, but the 19-year-old turned down a move to the Premier League side, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg. The transfer window is still open, and Liverpool F.C. will be looking to make some key signings to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.