FSG eye £87m “wunderkind” who could replace Gakpo at Liverpool

 

 

With the January transfer window now open, Liverpool are reviewing their squad and planning reinforcements. Strengthening their defence is a priority, with the Reds reportedly close to signing Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez for £43m. The Ecuadorian international is expected to join Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, though he may not be the only signing this month under Arne Slot.

Liverpool are also said to be exploring forward options in the Bundesliga after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who appears set to join Manchester City. According to the Daily Mail, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is a potential alternative, with scouts monitoring the Ivorian, currently participating in the 2025/26 African Cup of Nations, ahead of a possible move. While Leipzig’s asking price remains undisclosed, The Guardian reports it could be around £87m.

Football FanCast recently suggested using Florian Wirtz in a deeper midfield role instead of on the left wing. Doing so would leave Cody Gakpo as Liverpool’s only senior left-wing option, yet the Dutchman has been inconsistent this season. After a strong start with four goals and three assists in the first 11 games, Gakpo has contributed just twice in the last 11 matches across all competitions.

This makes Diomande an appealing target, as the 19-year-old Ivorian could provide a first-choice option on the wing. Liverpool U23 scout Antoino Mango described him as a “nightmare for defenders” and a “crazy speedster,” a reputation supported by his Bundesliga form this season. In ten league starts, Diomande has scored six goals (from 3.16 xG) and added two assists, consistently contributing in nearly every game. Versatile across both flanks, he has also scored once and assisted once in the DFB Pokal, giving him seven goals and three assists overall this season.