Liverpool identify Barcelona flop as 'Mo Salah replacement' alongside Yan Diomande transfer

Liverpool have reportedly become frontrunners to sign a former Barcelona star while they continue their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.

Despite the 2025/26 Premier League season ending just over two weeks ago, it has already been a summer of change at Liverpool.

Several players have moved on, including club legends Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, while Arne Slot has been sacked and subsequently replaced by Andoni Iraola.

Meanwhile, several players continue to be linked with moves away, including Curtis Jones, who is attracting interest from Inter, while Federico Chiesa has admitted he may also leave.

Cody Gakpo’s future also remains unclear, with reports suggesting the club would be open to a sale at the right price.

Ibrahima Konate has moved on, with the France international all but confirmed as a Real Madrid player.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast forward Diomande, with the Reds having already made contact with the Bundesliga club over a potential move.

However, the Germans insist he is not for sale and would only be willing to let him leave for around £112 million.

READ MORE: Liverpool prepare four-player shortlist to replace Ibrahima Konate including Premier League star

And while Liverpool look to secure Diomande’s signature, they may also be set to welcome another attacker.

As reported by Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, Liverpool are near the top of the list of clubs looking to sign Sporting CP and Portugal forward Francisco Trincao.

The 26-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder or on the right wing despite being left-footed, with the position now up for grabs following Salah’s exit.

Trincao produced 13 goals and 15 assists in 54 appearances for the Lisbon club last term, helping them finish second in Liga Portugal, reach the Taca de Portugal final, and make the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Braga academy graduate previously had a spell at Barcelona, although he failed to find form in Catalonia, registering just three goals and two assists in 42 matches. However, he looks back on his time playing alongside Lionel Messi fondly.

After loan spells at Wolves and Sporting, he eventually signed for the Portuguese side permanently in 2023 and has since become one of their most important players.

Portuguese outlet Record claims Liverpool are considering activating Trincao’s £52 million release clause this summer and are near the top of the list of potential suitors.

Trincao on ‘strange’ encounter with Messi

Very few players have had the pleasure of playing with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Trincao has done exactly that.

The Portugal international previously opened up about his experience with the Argentine great during an interview with Spanish outlet Relevo, outlining how Messi used to kiss him every time the pair crossed paths.

He explained: “At first it was a bit strange because, culturally, in Argentina and Uruguay, they kiss a lot to greet each other, and it was strange for Messi to greet me with a kiss every time I arrived at the academy. Then I got used to it, but in the first few weeks it was difficult.

“On the pitch, Messi was very calm. He set an example more than he spoke to us. He helped us on the pitch, telling us where we should go and what to do. He would tell us something and we would accept it because what he said was true.”

Looking back on his difficulties at Camp Nou, he added: “Being 20 years old and having a club like Barça say they want you, I don't think anyone can say no. I would never have said no to Barcelona, but maturity comes with time. If I continue like this, with this consistency, I'm sure I'll be better in two years. Defining myself? It's difficult... But I would say that I'm humble, very grateful for what I have, and very hard-working.”

Trincao is contracted to Sporting CP until the summer of 2030.