Liverpool, fresh off their Premier League title triumph, are already planning for a busy summer of ins and outs, with reports suggesting they are lining up Lyon’s promising Belgian attacker, Malick Fofana, as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz.
While the first-team squad celebrates their domestic success, Liverpool’s backroom staff, under new head coach Arne Slot, are diligently working on strategies to defend their title next season. Slot has already made one significant signing in Federico Chiesa, who has seen limited minutes this season, and Jeremie Frimpong is all but confirmed as a Liverpool player, signaling the start of a transformative transfer window on Merseyside. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently confirmed he will not extend his contract, has already set the wheels in motion for defensive reinforcements.
However, attention is now turning to the attacking department, particularly with the persistent speculation surrounding Luis Diaz. The Colombian international has been a vital cog in Slot’s title-winning machine, showcasing his versatility across the frontline and contributing an impressive 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions this season. Despite his importance, Diaz has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona for the past 18 months.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the newly crowned La Liga champions are reportedly making Diaz one of their top priorities for the summer. In anticipation of a potential departure, Liverpool have reportedly begun to formulate contingency plans, identifying Malick Fofana as a prime candidate.
The report states that Liverpool have “spoken to” Lyon regarding the 20-year-old Belgian attacker. Despite Lyon’s significant financial worries and an underperforming season, Fofana has been a shining light, attracting interest from across Europe with his impressive performances, including 11 goals across all competitions.
Financially, Liverpool would ideally prefer a deal for Fofana to be in the region of €20 million, while Lyon, keen to alleviate their financial woes, would be looking for a fee closer to €30 million. This suggests a potential negotiation battle, but Fofana’s agent has previously hinted at his client’s desire for a move to Anfield. In March, his agent told africafoot that “the choice of heart would be Liverpool” when discussing Fofana’s next move. He further explained that the player, who has African heritage, would be keen to follow in the footsteps of legendary African stars who have graced Anfield, such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and El Hadji Diouf.
From a tactical perspective, a move for Fofana makes considerable sense for Liverpool, especially if Diaz were to depart. Diaz has often competed with Cody Gakpo for the left-wing position this season, and having two players of such quality can sometimes make it challenging to keep both satisfied with playing time. At just 20 years old, Fofana would likely be content to play a secondary role for a few years, developing his game under Slot’s guidance.
Furthermore, Fofana’s versatility across both wings would provide crucial cover, particularly for when Mohamed Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next season. With a market value of just €25 million according to Transfermarkt, any deal around that figure would represent excellent business for Liverpool, acquiring a young talent with significant potential.
Despite these links and the strategic fit, there may not be an immediate rush to replace Diaz. The Colombian star recently claimed that he wants to remain at Anfield for many years to come, suggesting that a departure is not a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s proactive approach in identifying Fofana demonstrates their commitment to being prepared for all eventualities as they navigate a pivotal summer transfer window. Sources and related content