Report: Liverpool in ‘close contact’ over move to sign former Premier League forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Former Premier League Forward as Potential Successor to Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to be quietly laying the groundwork for a significant attacking transition, with reports suggesting that Moussa Diaby has emerged as a serious option to bolster the club’s forward line. Credit for the original reporting goes to Fussball Daten, who revealed that the Merseyside club are already engaging with the player’s representatives as uncertainty grows around Mohamed Salah’s long term future at Anfield.

While Salah remains under contract until the summer of 2027, the coming transfer window could prove decisive. The Egyptian’s output has dipped during the 2025-26 campaign, and interest from the Saudi Pro League continues to linger in the background.

Salah Future Creates Transfer Focus

Liverpool’s forward planning appears to have begun well before any official departure. According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Saudi Arabia’s top division is preparing a “formal offer” to lure Salah away in the summer of 2026.

Should that move materialise, Liverpool would face the difficult task of replacing one of the most influential forwards in their modern history. Internally, several names have already surfaced. Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande are believed to be firmly on the club’s radar.

Now, another intriguing candidate has entered the conversation.

Diaby Profile Attracts Liverpool Attention

Fussball Daten report that Liverpool “are in close contact with the player’s agency” regarding Moussa Diaby, the former Aston Villa winger who currently plays for Al Ittihad.

The German outlet highlights why the French international is appealing to Premier League clubs, stating that “Diaby’s physical profile is a perfect fit for the Premier League’s intense pace”.

Photo: IMAGO

Diaby’s previous experience in England strengthens that argument. During the 2023-24 campaign at Aston Villa, he demonstrated his ability to thrive in the league’s demanding environment before securing a €60 million move to Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Since joining Al Ittihad, the winger has produced eight goals and 29 assists in 61 appearances across all competitions, an impressive creative return that keeps him firmly on the radar of European clubs.

Transfer Battle Could Intensify

Liverpool are unlikely to have a clear run at the 26 year old. Fussball Daten suggest that Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Chelsea are all maintaining dialogue with Diaby’s representatives ahead of the 2026 window.

The Saudi club are reportedly open to selling for around €40 million, which is notably less than the fee they originally paid. That price point could trigger strong competition.

One warning in the report stands out, with Fussball Daten noting that “Newcastle United’s financial strength could trigger an intense bidding war”. Borussia Dortmund are also credited with interest, adding another potential layer to the race.

Return To Europe Appears Likely

Another factor that could accelerate negotiations is Diaby’s own preference. Sources previously indicated that intermediaries had informed Liverpool about the winger’s potential availability.

That message aligns with the latest reporting, which states that the player’s “desire” is “to return to Europe”.

If that stance holds, the summer transfer window may see several clubs testing Al Ittihad’s resolve. For Liverpool, the timing could align perfectly with a strategic refresh of their attack.

Should Salah depart, Diaby’s pace, creativity and familiarity with the Premier League would make him an intriguing candidate to help reshape Liverpool’s forward line under Arne Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Moussa Diaby is undoubtedly a talented winger. His pace and ability to stretch defences would fit naturally into a high intensity Premier League side. However, replacing Mohamed Salah is a completely different challenge. Salah has delivered elite numbers for years, often deciding matches single handedly. Finding a direct successor is rarely that simple.

Many supporters will also be cautious about Liverpool targeting players who have recently moved to the Saudi Pro League. The level of competition there remains difficult to judge. Diaby’s tally of eight goals and 29 assists in 61 matches is respectable, yet it does not immediately scream transformative signing.

There is also the broader context of Liverpool’s recent recruitment. After spending around £450m last summer, the team currently sits sixth in the table despite Arne Slot winning the league in his debut season. Fans are already questioning whether the club’s squad building has truly addressed the areas that matter most.

Another winger might feel like an incomplete solution. Liverpool may need a forward capable of leading the attack, scoring 25 to 30 goals per season, and carrying the responsibility that Salah has handled for so long.

Diaby could strengthen the squad. Whether he can fill Salah’s boots is a far bigger debate.