Ben Jacobs: Liverpool eyeing three forwards as Yan Diomande alternatives

Ben Jacobs: Liverpool eyeing three forwards as Yan Diomande alternatives Liverpool Transfer Plans Take Shape as Winger Search Continues With Victor Munoz seemingly on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s latest addition, attention is already turning towards who could follow him through the door at Anfield. According to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs, the club’s recruitment team remains active in the market for another wide attacker, with several names under consideration should their pursuit of Yan Diomande prove unsuccessful. As Liverpool enter a new era under Andoni Iraola, there appears to be a clear emphasis on adding pace, directness and attacking depth across the frontline. Liverpool Maintain Interest in Yan Diomande The strongest indication from Jacobs’ update is that Liverpool remain optimistic about signing Yan Diomande, despite significant obstacles standing in their way. Jacobs wrote on X: “Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz. Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig’s asking price, there are other targets. Understand pace is the key criteria.” That final sentence is perhaps the most revealing. Liverpool’s transfer strategy appears increasingly aligned with Iraola’s high intensity style, one that places enormous value on players capable of stretching opponents, attacking space and creating chaos in transition. Diomande ticks many of those boxes, but Liverpool are clearly preparing alternative options should negotiations become too complicated. Alternative Targets Under Consideration Jacobs continued: “Also on the list are Köln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. All options in case Diomande doesn’t arrive. Bradley Barcola another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.” Each of those players offers something slightly different. Said El Mala enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season, scoring 13 goals and contributing five assists in 36 appearances. His ability to operate centrally or from wide positions provides valuable versatility. Premier League Experience Adds Appeal Yankuba Minteh brings a different type of attraction. Already familiar with Premier League football, the Brighton winger offers proven experience in England’s top flight. While his statistical output of three goals and four assists last season may not immediately excite supporters, his raw attributes remain highly regarded. Photo: IMAGO Liverpool’s recruitment department has often prioritised underlying qualities over short term production, particularly when identifying players capable of developing under elite coaching. Fernandez-Pardo Fits Modern Forward Profile Matias Fernandez-Pardo may be the least discussed of the names mentioned, yet his profile remains intriguing. The Lille attacker contributed eight goals and seven assists during the 2025/26 campaign while splitting his time between centre-forward and left wing roles. His versatility could prove attractive for a Liverpool side preparing for multiple competitions. Photo: IMAGO Recruitment Strategy Becoming Clear Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Jacobs’ update is not necessarily which player Liverpool sign next, but the profile they are prioritising. Whether it is Diomande, El Mala, Minteh or Fernandez-Pardo, there is a consistent theme. Pace, direct running, positional flexibility and attacking threat appear central to Liverpool’s planning. With Victor Munoz expected to arrive and another winger likely to follow, Liverpool’s frontline could look considerably different by the time Iraola leads the team into the new season. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool perspective, the most encouraging aspect of this report is the apparent clarity behind the club’s recruitment strategy. For much of the past season, Liverpool looked predictable in possession. There were periods when the team controlled matches but lacked the explosiveness needed to consistently hurt opponents. Iraola’s appointment immediately suggested a shift towards greater intensity and verticality, and these transfer links support that theory. Yan Diomande remains the standout name. His age profile, athleticism and ceiling make him an exciting long term investment. However, it is reassuring to see Liverpool preparing alternatives rather than becoming fixated on a single target. Said El Mala is particularly intriguing. Thirteen goals in a breakthrough campaign at 19 years old deserves attention, especially when combined with the speed attributes highlighted by Kompany. Those are the sort of traits that cannot easily be coached. Minteh offers Premier League experience and could potentially adapt quickest, while Fernandez-Pardo appears to provide valuable flexibility across the front line. What stands out most is the emphasis on pace. Liverpool have lost some attacking dynamism over the past year and restoring that should be a priority. Defenders hate facing players who attack space relentlessly, and Iraola’s best teams have always thrived when they possess runners capable of turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities within seconds. If Liverpool can secure Munoz and add one more elite athletic wide forward before the window closes, supporters will have every reason to feel optimistic about the direction of this rebuild under Iraola.