Liverpool's plan B, C and D if Yan Diomande transfer collapses: report

Yan Diomande plays for Ivory Coast at the World Cup 2026 — Liverpool are hoping to sign Yan Diomande this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool have identified several back up options in case they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian is one of the Reds' key targets this summer, but RB Leipzig are determined to not lose the winger for less than their valuation.

That complicates things for Liverpool, who have already had a bid rejected for the attacker.

Liverpool are well prepared in case Diomande deal doesn't come off

Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh — Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is among Liverpool's backup options (Image credit: Getty Images)

The two clubs have reportedly been in talks for several weeks now, with an offer of around £86m reportedly rebuffed by the German side.

That has led to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs identifying three alternative options, including one already playing in the Premier League, who Liverpool will pursue if they are unable to get Diomande over the line.

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Belgium's Arthur Theate and Belgium's Matias Fernandez-Pardo pictured during a training session of Belgian national soccer team Red Devils in their base camp, home of the Seattle Sounders, Renton — Belgian Matias Fernandez-Pardo is on the list of alternative options for Liverpool. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Included in their backup options is Brighton and Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, who has impressed on the South Coast since his move from Newcastle United.

He is joined by Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with pace a key attribute being targeted by the Reds.

In a post on X, Jacobs wrote that all were "options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive" and added that Bradley Barcola was "another player Liverpool have looked at this summer".

With Mo Salah moving on this summer, the Merseyside club are looking to invest in some young talent as they look to build a squad that can compete for the Premier League under new boss Andoni Iraola.

They are already close to signing Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz, after hijacking Newcastle's move for the same player.

A CORUNA, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Victor Munoz of Spain looks on during the international friendly match between Spain and Iraq at Abanca Balaidos stadium on June 04, 2026, in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) — Victor Munoz is close to joining Liverpool from Osasuna (Image credit: Getty Images)

The exciting youngster was close to a move to St James' Park before Liverpool triggered his release clause.

His move is expected to be confirmed in the near future.

Whether or not Diomande follows will depend on how much Liverpool are happy to pay.

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Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names.