Liverpool could have found their Mohamed Salah replacement after sending scouts to watch a Bundesliga wonderkid ‘every week’ according to reports in Germany.
Arne Slot’s side are preparing to lose their star player this summer in Salah and preparation is already underway for the massive task of finding his replacement.
While RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is thought to be one of Liverpool’s top targets, BILD report that another young Bundesliga star in Bazoumana Toure has caught the eye of the English giants.
Toure has been a breakout star for Hoffenheim since making a €10 million move from Swedish side Hammarby last year and the 20-year-old also impressed for Ivory Coast at the recent African Cup of Nations, where he scored twice.
Liverpool scouts were understood to have watched Toure during Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Scotland last week – something which, it is claimed, they have done ‘almost every week’, along with other Premier League sides such as Aston Villa.
A move to England this summer is described as ‘likely’ for a fee of €40m, although Toure’s contract does not contain a release clause and his price tag could rise with a strong performance at the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool find Diomande and Olise alternative in Bazoumana Toure
A left-footed forward who has largely played on his favoured flank, Toure is also capable of cutting in from the right onto his strong foot in a playstyle that emulates Salah and the youngster has provided eight assists and two goals in the Bundesliga this season.
Diomande is thought to be higher on Liverpool’s list than Toure but the Leipzig star will command a fee of around €100m, while teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are also keen on him.
Michael Olise is considered Liverpool’s dream target but Bayern Munich have no desire to part ways with their star winger and his signing is not considered realistic at this time.
Liverpool will be keen to sign a proven replacement for Salah but much will depend on ensuring they qualify for next season’s Champions League and Toure could represent a cut-price option for a future star if the Reds fail to secure the likes of Diomande this summer.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: €138m Anderson deal expected as final Man Utd decision made
Slot risks Liverpool sack after act of betrayal against PSG
Chelsea enter race for €50m ‘top talent’ as deal ‘100% planned’
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Grealish latest, Rodri contract, Anderson battle
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
