--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-25T11:41:19.125Z last_updated: 2026-07-25T07:09:59+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/liverpool/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGl2ZXJwb29sZWNoby5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC9mb290YmFsbC1uZXdzL2xpdmVycG9vbC10cmFuc2Zlci1uZXdzLWxpdmUtZGlvbWFuZGUtMzQzNDk0ODY --- # Liverpool transfer news - Diomande bid made, Barcola latest, new Wirtz plan - **Source:** - **Published:** 25 Jul - **Club:** Liverpool - **Original URL:** https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-transfer-news-live-diomande-34349486 LIVEUpdated 19 mins agoLiverpool transfer news LIVE: Diomande bid made, Barcola latest, new Wirtz planThe latest Liverpool transfer news and gossipSportFasika Zelealem and Mark Jones Liverpool Content Editor - SportWelcome to the Liverpool ECHO's transfer blog. The Reds' pre-season officially begins today with Andoni Iraola's side set to battle against Sunderland in Nashville. Matches against Wrexham and Leeds United will soon follow as the Spaniard gets to know his new squad more. On the transfer front, it's been quiet in terms of incomings with the Reds yet to add to their squad since the signing of Victor Munoz earlier this month. However, they were dealt a blow on Friday night in the latest update of Yan Diomande's transfer saga. Liverpool are chasing a marquee winger this summer to replace Mohamed Salah. Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola has been earmarked as another reported target. But the Reds are facing steep competition for the Frenchman, with reports claiming a new club has entered the sweepstakes for the 23-year-old. Stick with us for all the latest Liverpool news, rumours and gossip. New UpdatesToday12:20 BSTIraola targeting Ekitike cover?Hugo Ekitike is set to be out of action for the first half of the season as he continues his rehab from an Achilles injury. With the Frenchman sidelined, Alexander Isak is the only senior striker at Anfield, with Jayden Danns expected to go out on loan. James Pearce reports that despite lacking in firepower, Andoni Iraola is not expected to enter the market to sign a striker. He said: "Liverpool were never going to spend a lot of money on another No 9 as cover when they’ve got Ekitike to return from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in April." Fasika ZelealemToday11:57 BST10 versatile defensive options for LiverpoolLiverpool have a glaring hole in their squad - and it isn't up front. Much has been made of Liverpool's need to replace Mohamed Salah and introduce versatile attacking players who can offer more dynamism than what was on display last season, but the Reds arguably have even more of a problem further back. Andoni Iraola admitted as much on Monday (July 20), when he gave his second press conference and the first of Liverpool's summer 2026 pre-season tour of the USA. "I think it depends on Conor [Bradley]'s situation," Iraola told reporters after being asked if Liverpool would sign a new right-back. "At the end if you have a fully fit, healthy Conor Bradley, we are very happy, ready to go and we would not be asking ourselves these questions. "I think it's a situation that is tricky, because we trust Conor in the long term, we know we want him to be our right-back but right now he is still, I would say, a little bit far from returning. "So, with the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now so I think it's a solution that we are trying to find, yes." Iraola's choice of words might have given away the type of player Liverpool are likely to pursue. The Reds are also light in the centre of defence - even more so after the departure of Ibrahima Konate - and 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet looks likeliest to start alongside Virgil van Dijk at St James' Park on the opening day of the Premier League season, despite making just 57 senior appearances to date. But how hard a solution to find is it likely to be? We've picked out 10 players who can cover both right-back and centre-back who Liverpool could target ahead of the new season. Check out the list here. Mark JonesToday11:55 BSTBarcola stanceLiverpool are said to have alternative plans if they do not acquire Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The Champions League winners are said to be holding out for £100m for his potential sale, with the Reds enquiring about the availability of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. James Pearce of The Athletic reported the Reds would need to pay at least £42million for the attacking midfielder, who is also wanted by PSG. Fasika Zelealem‌Today11:26 BSTDiomande future becomes clearer Despite Real Madrid's opening bid for Yan Diomande being rejected, the Spanish giants are now confident of agreeing a deal with RB Leipzig for his services, reports Ben Jacobs. Jose Mourinho's side are said to be "moving quickly" in negotiations for the Ivorian in order to beat out the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool for his signature. Fasika ZelealemToday11:02 BSTEngland star transfer ruled outLiverpool's chase for a full-back won't see them attempt a deal for Tottenham and England star Djed Spence, according to the ECHO. Ian Doyle reports that the Reds are not prepared to pay a hefty fee for the defender who won't be a regular starter upon Conor Bradley's return from injury. The Spurs star has been subject to interest across Europe for his impressive performances for the Three Lions at the World Cup. Fasika ZelealemToday10:32 BSTTransfer priority Andoni Iraola cited his side's need to improve their defensive depth, given Conor Bradley's injury issues. The Guardian reports that the Reds are set to enter the right-back market this summer. Fasika Zelealem‌Today10:03 BSTPedro Neto interest rebuffedLiverpool remain in the market for a winger this summer, as the Standard report that the Reds hold an interest in Chelsea star Pedro Neto. The reports claims the Blues are not actively seeking his departure but would entertain a sale at the right price. The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 52 games across all competitions last season before representing Portugal at the World Cup 2026. Fasika ZelealemToday09:32 BSTReds star sends Iraola messageLewis Koumas is part of Liverpool's pre-season this summer and will hope to impress Andoni Iraola on the tour. Having gone on loan to Birmingham and Hull City last season, the Welshman admitted he can easily fit into Iraola's vision at Anfield. He said: "I think I’m a player that the gaffer could sort of like, with the way I press and the energy I can give to the team. I’m always looking to impress so I’ll just see where it takes me." Fasika ZelealemToday09:02 BSTReds join race for £51m star Andoni Iraola is reportedly monitoring Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski. According to Fussballdaten, the 18-year-old has suitors in Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Portuguese giants are said to have put in a £51.2m release clause in the Polish wonderkid's contract. Fasika Zelealem‌Today08:29 BSTDiomande revival?Liverpool could reportedly revive a deal for Yan Diomande, should his deal to Paris Saint-Germain collapse, according to BILD. The Ivorian - who is of interest of Real Madrid - is said to prefer a move to the French champions if he departs RB Leipzig this summer. Fasika ZelealemToday07:57 BSTFlorian Wirtz vow Florian Wirtz could be the big winner from Jurgen Klopp's appointment as the new Germany boss. The former Liverpool manager has returned to management with his nation and could be set to reignite Wirtz's career by giving him a more central role in the national team. Speaking for German TV during the World Cup, Klopp told the German players to ‘just give Wirtz the ball more’ if they want to make the most of his talent. Klopp said: "The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, ‘just give him the ball’." Fasika ZelealemToday07:53 BSTBradley Barcola battle Bradley Barcola has been earmarked as another target for Liverpool in their hope to improve their forward line. However, the Reds could be hampered in their pursuit of the Frenchman after BILD reported Bayern Munich will attempt to acquire the 23-year-old, should they have to sell Michael Olise. Fasika Zelealem‌Today07:50 BSTYan Diomande bid madeLiverpool target Yan Diomande is subject to a bid from Real Madrid. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants have offered £85million, including add-ons, for the RB Leipzig star's services. Negotiations between the two clubs and Diomande's camp are said to be underway.