Liverpool Have Already Identified 20-year-old Forward as £25m Luis Diaz Replacement – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Target Lyon Sensation Malick Fofana as Luis Díaz Eyes Barcelona Switch

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans appear to be gaining pace as the club looks to secure its position in European football’s elite for the long term. With the future of Colombian winger Luis Díaz under increasing speculation amid interest from Barcelona, reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest that the Reds have turned their attention to a rising talent in Ligue 1 — Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais.

Contingency Plans as Díaz Interest Mounts

Barcelona have made no secret of their admiration for Luis Díaz. As Mundo Deportivo report, “Barça are very interested in Luis Díaz. He’s one of Deco’s priorities, the sporting director.” That admiration could soon materialise into a formal bid, with figures circulating between €60 million and €80 million for the Colombian international. Díaz, who has a contract at Anfield until 2027, has had a strong campaign — registering 17 goals and 8 assists across 49 matches, including nine appearances in the Champions League.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite Liverpool’s reluctance to sell, the club are “prepared for any contingency,” according to Mundo Deportivo. This prudent approach is no surprise, especially under the strategic stewardship of Liverpool’s sporting directors, who are already exploring replacements should Barça make their move.

Who is Malick Fofana?

Malick Fofana has emerged as a standout performer for Olympique Lyonnais this season. At just 20 years old, the Belgian-born winger has featured in 41 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists. As Mundo Deportivo highlight, “His play, his balance, his technical quality, and his maturity on the pitch have all been a source of excitement in European football.”

These attributes have not gone unnoticed. Fofana’s performances have sparked interest across the continent, and Liverpool appear to be leading the chase. According to the report, “Liverpool has already sounded out the player and has even reportedly spoken with the French club.”

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Leverage in Lyon’s Troubles

One of the key elements driving Fofana’s availability is Lyon’s well-documented financial constraints. The French club may be forced to cash in on their prized assets this summer. Although the football market currently values Fofana around €20 million, Lyon are reportedly seeking closer to €30 million. With Díaz’s potential transfer possibly netting Liverpool more than double that amount, a move for Fofana could represent astute business.

Liverpool, ever known for their data-driven approach and talent development, could see this as another example of turning promise into pedigree, especially under Arne Slot’s dynamic system that recently guided the Reds to a Premier League title.

Future-Proofing Under Arne Slot

Slot’s first season at Anfield could not have gone better, and the club are determined to ensure that success is sustained. Part of that effort is strengthening squad depth and planning succession for key players, particularly those attracting attention from Europe’s elite.

Fofana’s profile fits Liverpool’s transfer model to perfection — young, technically proficient, versatile and available at a potentially affordable fee. His ability to operate on either wing would give Slot an added layer of flexibility in attack. While no move has been formalised, the signs are that Liverpool are laying the groundwork for what could be one of the more intriguing deals of the window.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this is one of those transfer sagas that causes mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s real concern about losing Luis Díaz. He’s become a fan favourite at Anfield with his relentless energy, direct running, and ability to produce in big moments. His numbers this season — 17 goals and 8 assists — underline how important he’s been, particularly in a season where the team went on to win the league under new boss Arne Slot.

But there’s also a pragmatic side to this. If Barcelona come calling and Díaz genuinely wants to go, then it makes sense to have options ready. And Malick Fofana could be a smart solution. At 20, he’s got bags of potential. If he’s already producing at Lyon, imagine what he could become at Liverpool under the right coaching setup and with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo around him.

The €30 million fee might look like a gamble, but compared to the possible €70–80 million Liverpool could receive for Díaz, it feels like savvy reinvestment. Slot has shown he’s not afraid to trust younger players if they fit his philosophy. Fofana could be another gem — the kind Liverpool have been great at uncovering in recent years.

So while we hope Díaz stays, there’s a quiet confidence that the club’s in safe hands — and if Fofana comes in, we could be looking at the next breakout star at Anfield.