Liverpool preparing to launch £60m bid to sign their next Szoboszlai

Liverpool’s ability to spend big in the transfer window has been reflected in recent years, but none more so than last summer under current boss Arne Slot.

After winning the Premier League title the year prior, the Reds hierarchy backed the Dutchman with over £450m worth of funds to take his squad to the next level.

The likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were both signed for deals over £100m, subsequently breaking the club’s transfer record on two separate occasions.

However, despite the hefty spending, the hierarchy look set to improve the senior ranks once again this summer, especially with Mohamed Salah departing at the end of the campaign.

Numerous names have been mentioned with a switch to Merseyside this summer, but it remains to be seen which player will be their number one target at present.

Liverpool to make £60m bid for attacking sensation

Over the last couple of weeks, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise has been just one of the players touted with a move to replace Salah in the summer window.

The Frenchman has been in tremendous form throughout the ongoing campaign, subsequently registering 45 combined goals and assists for Vincent Kompany’s men in as many games.

However, the Bundesliga outfit have stated that the 24-year-old isn’t for sale at any price this summer, which could hinder the Reds’ business during the off-season.

Olise isn’t the only player in Germany’s top-flight currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande another player who’s admired behind the scenes.

According to SPORT via Sport Witness, Liverpool are preparing a £60m bid to land the Ivorian, who’s registered 16 combined goals and assists this season.

However, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 19-year-old this summer, with Chelsea and Barcelona also in the race for the youngster in the months ahead.

It remains to be seen if the subsequent transfer fee would be enough to secure his signature, but with Diomande being a Reds fan, it could hand them the advantage in the race.

Why Diomande would be Liverpool’s next Szoboszlai

Back in the summer of 2023, Liverpool completed the £60m signing of attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from German outfit RB Leipzig, with very few fans not knowing what to expect.

However, a handful of years on, the Hungarian has now become one of the Reds’ star men, with his performances keeping Slot’s men in with a chance of securing a top-four finish.

The 25-year-old has registered eight combined goals and assists in the Premier League this term, with many of his strikes in with a shout of being the division’s Goal of the Season.

He’s netted two long-range strikes against Manchester City and Arsenal, undoubtedly being the club’s shining light within attacking areas over recent months.

However, the Reds could complete a similar deal for Diomande this summer, with the Ivorian international emulating Szoboszlai in moving to Anfield from Leipzig.

Like the Hungarian, he’s somewhat unknown by many supporters, but the club would undoubtedly be landing a top-young talent who can thrive on Merseyside for many years to come.

His underlying stats further highlight the quality he possesses, which could see him emulate Szoboszlai in becoming a fan-favourite upon any move to Merseyside.

The 19-year-old has registered a 50% shot on target accuracy rate, along with 1.1 shots on target per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the division.

The aforementioned figures would add an added dimension to the club’s frontline, potentially following in Szoboszlai’s footsteps in thriving within the final third at Anfield.

Diomande’s talents in possession are further reflected in his tally of 85% passes completed, whilst creating 2.1 chances per 90 so far this campaign.

The latter is higher than 88% of players in the division, which could allow the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Isak and Szoboszlai to further improve their own tallies.

However, the Ivorian’s biggest asset is his ability to glide past his opponent, as seen with his staggering tally of 4.1 successful dribbles per 90 – at a success rate of 58%.

At just 19, it’s truly scary to see how impressive the Leipzig star has been throughout the current season, with his talent making him the perfect Salah replacement.

It’s unclear if the £60m offer would be accepted during the summer window, but it’s a signal of the hierarchy’s intent to further bolster the squad during the off-season.

Should he make the move and get anywhere near the levels produced by Szoboszlai at Anfield, it would be yet another tremendous piece of business completed by the Reds in their hunt for glory.