Liverpool transfer news as Mohamed Salah 'swap' targeted amid Yan Diomande blow

Liverpool transfer news as an unexpected swap deal is touted ahead of Mohamed Salah's exit, while there's a potential blow for the Reds in the pursuit of Yan Diomande

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

What is a decisive couple of months for Liverpool couldn’t have started in a worse way, with the Reds needing to bounce back quickly this week.

Their hopes of winning the FA Cup are over now after being thrashed by Manchester City, and expectations will be low as they head to France to take on defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

With Arne Slot coming under increasing pressure for his job, there is so much on the line for the remainder of the season, not least a spot in next season’s Champions League, which could have a huge impact on what may be another big summer in the transfer market.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Marcos Leonardo (Al-Hilal)

An unexpected swap deal involving Mohamed Salah could be on the cards this summer, with GiveMeSport claiming that the Egyptian could be used in an effort from Liverpool to sign Marcos Leonardo.

According to the report, interest has grown in the Brazilian after a deal to sign Michael Olise, who is said to have been the Reds’ primary target, fell through.

Al-Hilal is said to have set an asking price of £50 million ($66M), but it’s suggested that Liverpool could facilitate the financial settlement with Salah as part of a swap deal, which would see the two players move in opposite directions.

Liverpool.com says: There isn't an awful lot that adds up in this report. First of all, we already know Liverpool is waiving the final year of Salah's contract in order for him to leave, so how could a swap deal go through unless that hasn't been finalized?

It might be possible, but then surely there would be no way Liverpool or Salah would have announced his impending exit unless it was all done and dusted.

Secondly, Leonardo is one of the most left-field suggestions thrown out so far to replace Salah. Yes, he's done well in Saudi Arabia, but he also struggled in his one spell in Europe with Benfica. None of this really has the whiff of being plausible.

Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)

Arsenal has the edge over Liverpool in the race to sign Yan Diomande, according to Caught Offside.

The RB Leipzig winger is one of the early names linked with replacing Salah, but this latest report claims the Gunners have also registered an interest now.

Yan Diomande has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Although the 19-year-old is said to be Liverpool’s preferred option, it’s suggested the club will struggle to sign him without being in the Champions League next season, and with Arsenal’s spot all but guaranteed at this point, Mikel Arteta’s side is said to be in a better position.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool will already be fully aware, but missing out on the Champions League could have a massive impact on any transfer business, whether it's Diomande or anyone else.

These next couple of months are crucial, and the Reds cannot afford to let this slip by. As a bare minimum, they have to salvage a spot at Europe's top table next season.