Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann is convinced signing Yan Diomande and Anthony Gordon would represent good business for his old club this summer transfer window
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande has been backed as being ready for a move to Liverpool – with the Reds told signing the RB Leipzig winger and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon would represent a “dream” transfer window this summer.
Diomande has become one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe after an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, whom he joined from Spanish side Leganes for €20million in the summer having played only 10 games in La Liga.
The 19-year-old winger, who is expected to be part of Ivory Coast’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup, has been linked with a host of leading clubs despite a reported price tag of more than £70m.
The ECHO understands Liverpool have already had contact with Diomande’s Roc Nation agency over the possibility of a move to Anfield.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page
And former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes he has already seen enough of the teenager to know he could make an instant impact should he join Arne Slot’s side.
“He’s outstanding,” said Hamann. “He’s certainly the best player in the Bundesliga this season.
“Not many people may know about him now, but I’m sure they will after the World Cup because he is an outstanding player.
“He plays off the left or the right, he’s two-footed, with pace and trickery. He’s a wonderful player, not only to watch but also very efficient and effective. I’m sure the big clubs will come calling for him, and if he hasn’t got a clause in his contract, he won’t be cheap.
“I know football is different in England and some players have had problems (adapting) this season, but with the pace he has, he’s very hard to catch. I wouldn’t think it’s too early for him.
“I think you need to get the fans behind you and Diomande could do that. (Liverpool) need a signing like Diomande to really make the punters look forward to the new season again.”
With Mohamed Salah leaving, Hugo Ekitike having suffered a long-term Achilles injury and Cody Gakpo struggling to replicate the form of Luis Diaz on the left flank this season, Liverpool are expected to bolster their attacking resources in the upcoming transfer window.
They were close to signing Gordon two years ago only for Newcastle to pull the plug, with the England international now strongly linked with £75m interest from Bayern Munich.
But Hamann said: “There’s a place for Anthony Gordon at Liverpool. That’s a move I can really see because Liverpool need a player in that position, and I don’t think there are too many better ones in the Premier League than Anthony Gordon. He also plays up top at times. He’s versatile, he’s an excellent player.
“There’s talk about him coming in as a backup for Luis Diaz (at Bayern Munich), and he’s just too good and too expensive for that.
“I was a bit surprised when I read it. Can I see Bayern Munich being interested? Yes, I can. But at the same time, as a backup? I don’t think he’d be happy starting one or two games a month. Can I see this happening? Not too sure.”
Speaking to NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Hamann added: “Signing Diomande and Anthony Gordon would be a dream summer for Liverpool, but they’ve got to be careful. I thought last season, after the success of the season before and the signings, that there was no way they wouldn’t win the league.
“But certainly, if they get these two players and they stay injury-free, I think they’re sorted for the next few years.”
