Journalist: Liverpool ‘watching’ Bundesliga duo ahead of potential move | OneFootball

Liverpool transfer news: Yan Diomande and Said El Mala emerge as forward targets

Liverpool’s forward planning under Arne Slot continues to gather pace, with fresh reports linking the club to two emerging attacking talents from Germany. According to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Liverpool are actively scouting Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig and Said El Mala of Cologne as part of their long-term recruitment strategy.

Steele reports, “Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig and Said El Mala of Cologne have both been watched, as reported by Daily Mail Sport earlier this month, and Liverpool are in the process of drawing up a shortlist of targets. Diomande, who has seven goals and four assists this season, would command a big fee.”

Photo: IMAGO

That quote alone highlights how Liverpool are once again focusing on high-upside players rather than short-term fixes.

Yan Diomande profile and rising value

Diomande’s numbers speak for themselves. Seven goals and four assists from wide areas show a player capable of impacting matches consistently. At Leipzig, he has developed a reputation for direct running, sharp movement and an eye for goal, attributes that align well with Slot’s emphasis on vertical attacking play.

 It is easy to see why his valuation is climbing rapidly, and why Liverpool expect any deal to involve a significant fee.

El Mala offers a different profile. Still developing at Cologne, he is viewed as a raw but technically gifted forward with high ceiling potential. Liverpool’s interest suggests a willingness to blend immediate impact targets with longer-term projects.

Photo: IMAGO

Shortlist approach under Arne Slot

Rather than focusing on one name, Liverpool are drawing up a shortlist of attacking options. This reflects a data-driven strategy, where multiple profiles are assessed before formal negotiations begin.

With Mohamed Salah’s long-term future always under scrutiny and Cody Gakpo still dividing opinion, it makes sense for Liverpool to explore forward depth. Diomande appears closer to immediate first-team readiness, while El Mala represents investment in future output.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a Liverpool fan, this feels like smart and measured recruitment rather than headline chasing. Yan Diomande looks particularly exciting. His output in Germany suggests a player ready to step up, and Liverpool have a strong record of adapting Bundesliga attackers to Premier League football.

Under Arne Slot, the front line will need pace, pressing and tactical discipline. Diomande seems to offer all three. If the fee is high, supporters may hesitate, but the numbers and scouting reports justify the interest. A young forward who already contributes goals and assists is exactly what Liverpool need to keep evolving their attack.

Said El Mala is perhaps the more intriguing name. He feels like the type of signing that Liverpool make quietly, then watch develop over two or three seasons.