Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Yan Diomande updates, Jarrod Bowen latest, defender leaves

The latest Liverpool news ahead of the summer transfer window, including updates on Yan Diomande, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Alisson

Hello and welcome to the Liverpool ECHO's Liverpool transfer news live blog on Wednesday, May 27.

The season may be over, but there is still plenty of activity at Anfield as attentions turn to the summer transfer window. The Reds secured Champions League football for the 2026/27 campaign thanks to a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

The game at Anfield was the last in a Liverpool shirt for both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, with the two saying goodbye after the match. The Reds will be on the lookout for replacements, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande a target.

Other players have been linked with possible moves to Anfield this summer, including Anthony Gordon, Bradley Barcola and Jarrod Bowen.

There is also speculation over who could leave the club before the start of next season. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been linked with a move to Juventus, while there is still uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate due to his contract situation.

Follow our live blog for all the latest Liverpool news throughout the day...

Jacquet names two players crucial in Liverpool move

Jeremy Jacquet has named Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as to players who led to him choosing to sign for Liverpool instead of Chelsea in January.

The Frenchman will officially beome a Liverpool player on July 1, and is expected to be fit to feature in Liverpool's pre-season after suffering a shoulder injury in the second half of the campaign.

Speaking to Ouest-France, Jacquet said:

"I'll be 21 in July. or me, there's the sporting project and the personal project. At my age, I prioritise the sporting side. I don't have my own family yet. "I'm focused on football. I spoke with the management; the club's history weighed heavily on my decision, but so did the project they offered me. "At Chelsea, I felt there were quite a lot of [other] people. Whereas at Liverpool, apart from the fact that Virgil van Dijk is nearing the end of his career, training with him is going to be huge. "He's going to teach me so much. There's also Ibou Konate, who can help me settle in. Training with guys like that, it doesn't get any better than that."

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Mo Salah replacement named

Former Premier League star Patrice Evra has named Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool's Mo Salah replacement, although he has warned of the pressure that will come with that.

Speaking to Stake, he said:

"Replacing Salah will be tough. You will have to find someone different than Salah because we're talking about a lot of goals, talking about assists, we're talking about a legacy right there. “Maybe Rio Ngumoha will play for the team more often, but it's a different between coming into the team, as you're new and you can surprise people, but when you have the responsibility to replace a legend like Salah, that’s a lot of pressure. I don't want to put any extra pressure on the kid. I want him to enjoy and play football and don't even think about replacing Salah.”

Barcelona 'lead' Anthony Gordon race

Barcelona have taken the lead in the race for Anthony Gordon, according to the Daily Mail.

The Spanish giants are reportedly in talks with Newcastle over a potential deal worth up to £80 million. Bayern Munich looked to be leading the race, but their valuation is said to be lower.

The report says that Liverpool continue to monitor the situation, and have not been ruled out of stepping up their interest later in the summer.

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Mo Salah slammed

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has hit out about Salah's exit from Liverpool.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:

"I think Salah is a major problem to him (Arne Slot), I'm a bit disappointed in him in the way he's left, it's all about him, he should have gone gracefully and he's not done that. "I was at the Community Shield at the start of the season, saw him play at Wembley against Crystal Palace, he was not very good in that game and that is the sort of season he's had. "He should have accepted the situation and not come out with the selfish words he came out with after the Leeds United game. Accept that your best days are behind you, don't come out and blame everyone else. "And he's tried to drag the manager down with him, I find that so disappointing. "He is a great player, and will go down in the history as a great player, but I just think he's let himself down in the way he has conducted himself and the way he has left, or is leaving, Liverpool."

Former Liverpool man explains decision

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has explained his decision to leave Man City.

The Dutchman has followed Pep Guardiola out of the door at City, but was offered the chance to extend his stay.

Speaking to AD, he explained:

“My wife and I want a permanent place for our growing sons. Moving back to England for years is no longer an option. “Without my family, I wouldn't do a second year anyway. The club wanted to move forward, offered me a position on a new manager's staff, or the chance to become head coach at a foreign club within the City Football Group.”

Elliott 'keen' on move

Harvey Elliot is 'keen' on a transfer to Leeds United from Liverpool, according to Football Insider.

The outlet claims that Elliott would be interested in a move to Elland Road, with Liverpool already having given the green light for a sale this summer.

Elliott's main priority is to find a club where he can get regular game time, after spending the majority of the campaign with Aston Villa on the sidelines.

The report says Leeds are interested in the midfielder.

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Liverpool defender targeted

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is a transfer target for Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mail.

The 29-year-old has an uncertain future at Anfield, with just one year remaining on his current deal.

Villa have not made an official approach, but are looking to strengthen their squad as they prepare for a return to Champions League football next season.

Besiktas and AC Milan are also said to be showing an interest in the centre-back.

Yan Diomande swap deal

Liverpool could potentially use Harvey Elliott in a swap deal for Yan Diomande, according to The Times.

Diomande has emerged as a key target for Liverpool this summer, but RB Leipzig's asking price could be a stumbling block.

It's therefore suggested that Richard Hughes could use Elliott as part of a swap deal to try and bring the price down.

Elliott was a target for Leipzig last summer, before he completed an unsuccessful loan move to Aston Villa. The midfielder will return to Liverpool this summer, but his future looks to be away from Anfield.

Jarrod Bowen next club odds

Liverpool are among the favourites to sign West Ham's Jarrod Bowen this summer, according to bookmakers.

The Reds are one of the clubs linked with an interest in the winger, following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship.

Here's a look at the latest odds from Betfair....

Jarrod Bowen next club odds:

West Ham 1/1

Man United 4/1

Liverpool 9/2

Aston Villa 5/1

Newcastle 6/1

Tottenham 17/2

Everton 10/1

Chelsea 11/2

Atletico Madrid 18/1

Brighton 18/1

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Jeremy Jacquet boost

Defender Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Liverpool this summer, after the Reds completed a deal back in the January window.

The Frenchman spent the remainder of the season with former club Rennes, but suffered a serious shoulder injury back in February, which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

In good news for Liverpool, The Athletic reports that his rehabilitation is going to plan, and Jacquet should be available to undergo pre-season with Arne Slot's squad.

Summer return confirmed

Dundee United have confirmed that midfielder Luva Stephenson has returned to Liverpool following a two-year loan spell with the club.

The 22-year-old played 33 times in all competitions for Dundee this season, scoring five goals and providing a further five assists. He has missed the last six games due to a hamstring injury.

On their website, Dundee confirm: "Luca Stephenson returns to Liverpool F.C. following a second loan spell at Tannadice, having become a firm fan favourite across his two seasons with the club.

"The versatile midfielder made 67 appearances in all competitions during his time as a Terror, contributing eight goals and playing an important role both on and off the pitch."

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Mohamed Salah option

Juventus are trying to persuade Mo Salah to make the move to the club this summer, according to reports in Italy.

La Repubblica reports that Juve are 'putting pressure' on Salah, but says he will choose where he is moving after the World Cup, meaning they still have time to put forward their case.

The lack of Champions League football at Juve next season is highlighted as a potential barrier to a move.

It's added that a move for goalkeeper Alisson is a 'done deal'.

More Anthony Gordon competition

Liverpool have more competition for Anthony Gordon this season, with Barcelona entering the race, according to reports in Spain.

AS claims that the winger is 'highly regarded' by manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

Liverpool have held a long-term transfer interest in Gordon, but a move to Bayern Munich looks the most likely this summer. Newcastle are said to be demanding a fee of around £69 million for the England international.

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