Report: Liverpool eyeing move to sign former Aston Villa forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Linked with Moussa Diaby as Salah Succession Plans Begin

Liverpool’s forward planning is gathering momentum as the club prepares for a future that may soon arrive sooner than expected. Mohamed Salah remains one of the most influential players in the club’s modern era, yet speculation around his long term future continues to grow.

Reports suggest the Egyptian forward could leave Anfield at the end of the current campaign, with strong interest from the Saudi Pro League. As Liverpool consider the next stage of their attacking evolution, recruitment discussions have begun behind the scenes.

According to Fussball Daten, Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby as a potential replacement for Salah. The report suggests the French international has emerged as one of several names being considered by the club’s recruitment team.

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Liverpool Planning for Possible Salah Exit

Mohamed Salah’s contract runs until 2027, yet growing interest from Saudi Arabia has sparked discussions about his immediate future. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has already indicated that a formal approach from the Saudi Pro League could arrive during the summer window.

Liverpool appear determined to prepare for every possibility. The club’s recruitment department has explored several attacking options in recent months, including Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.

Fussball Daten report that Moussa Diaby has also entered the conversation. The German outlet states that Liverpool “are in close contact with the player’s agency” as they explore a possible summer move.

That interest highlights Diaby’s enduring reputation in European football. His time at Aston Villa demonstrated how effectively his pace and direct running translate to Premier League football.

Diaby Profile Suits Premier League Intensity

The qualities that attracted Liverpool’s attention are well known to Premier League observers.

Fussball Daten explain that “Diaby’s physical profile is a perfect fit for the Premier League’s intense pace”. That description reflects the attributes that made him such a dangerous attacking threat during his previous spell in England.

Quick acceleration, sharp movement in wide areas and the ability to create chances for teammates have long been central to his game.

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After leaving Aston Villa in 2024 for Al Ittihad in a deal worth around €60 million, Diaby has continued producing impressive attacking numbers. Across all competitions he has delivered eight goals and 29 assists in 61 matches for the Saudi Pro League side.

Those statistics underline a winger who contributes heavily to attacking patterns, both through scoring and creative play.

European Return Gathering Momentum

Recent developments suggest Diaby may be ready for another chapter in Europe. Sources cited by Fussball Daten indicate that the player has a strong desire to return to the continent’s major leagues.

Intermediaries have reportedly informed several clubs about his potential availability, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The report states that Diaby’s “desire” is “to return to Europe”, a situation that could influence Al Ittihad’s willingness to negotiate despite the winger being under contract until 2029.

A transfer fee of at least €40 million is expected to open discussions, although the final figure could fluctuate depending on the level of competition for his signature.

Transfer Competition Emerging Across Europe

Liverpool may not have a clear path if they decide to pursue Diaby seriously.

Fussball Daten warn that “Newcastle United’s financial strength could trigger an intense bidding war”, a scenario that could quickly inflate the cost of the deal.

Tottenham and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, while Borussia Dortmund have reportedly registered interest from Germany.

For Liverpool, the decision will ultimately depend on how urgently they need to replace Salah. If the Egyptian departs this summer, securing an experienced wide forward capable of immediate impact will become a priority.

Diaby’s familiarity with English football and his attacking productivity make him a logical candidate in that scenario.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters would approach this report with curiosity rather than certainty. Moussa Diaby is a talented winger with proven pace and creativity, qualities that have always appealed to Anfield crowds.

However, replacing Mohamed Salah represents one of the most complex recruitment challenges the club has faced in years. Salah’s goals, assists and leadership have shaped Liverpool’s attacking identity for nearly a decade.

Fans understand that no single player can replicate that influence. Recruitment will likely focus on finding players who can collectively reshape the attack rather than replicate Salah directly.

Diaby would bring pace and unpredictability on the right flank, attributes that fit Liverpool’s traditional attacking style. His previous Premier League experience would also reduce the risk of adaptation.

Supporters would still debate whether he represents the long term solution or simply one piece of a wider rebuild. Much would depend on how the coaching staff intend to reshape the forward line in the coming seasons.

For now, the report simply adds another intriguing name to Liverpool’s evolving transfer shortlist.