Journalist believes 13-goal forward is Liverpool’s ‘top’ target this summer

Still, his reading of the situation was clear. If PSG move for Diomande, then it could change the market around Barcola. Lynch explained: “If they do go for him, it clearly opens up the possibility of Barcola leaving.”

That leaves Liverpool in an interesting position. Lynch said Liverpool “do like both of them,” but he appeared to place Diomande at the top of the list, saying: “To me, he probably looks like, you know, the premier winger that’s on the market this summer and would maybe be top of Liverpool’s list.”

Photo: IMAGO

Salah departure shapes Liverpool thinking

The Salah element gives this winger discussion greater weight. Lynch spoke with clear respect for the Egyptian, calling him an “unbelievable footballer” and saying it had been “a privilege to kind of watch him play down the years.”

At the same time, Lynch discussed Salah’s decline and the tension around his relationship with Slot. He said: “Slot is not the reason that Salah has declined in the way he has.” He also added: “That comes for everyone, that physical decline.”

The important point is that Liverpool’s transfer planning is being framed around the need for at least one winger. Lynch was emphatic on that. “They’ll definitely sign a winger, at least one winger this summer,” he said. “That is guaranteed, ten out of ten, absolutely going to happen.”

That line is significant. Whether Diomande is viewed as a direct Salah replacement or part of a broader attacking reset, Lynch’s view was that Liverpool’s need in wide areas is certain.