Liverpool's search for a successor to Mohamed Salah may have led them to Serie A, with reports emerging that the club is closely monitoring teenage star Assane Diao. The 19-year-old winger has caught the attention of both Liverpool and Newcastle United, despite having only recently completed a move to Como in January.
According to CaughtOffside, "Liverpool and Newcastle are attentive to teenage sensation Assane Diao despite the winger's recent switch to Como, CaughtOffside has been told." Given Diao's rapid adaptation to Italian football and his standout performances, it is easy to see why Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on his development.
Rising Star in Serie A
Diao arrived at Como from Real Betis for a club-record €12 million fee and has wasted no time making an impact. With four goals in his first four matches, he has proven his ability to perform at a high level, showcasing the raw talent that made him a standout prospect in La Liga.
The Spanish attacker, originally from Senegal, has already represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U-21 side. He was part of the squad that lifted the U-19 European Championship in 2024, further underlining his pedigree. With his combination of speed, dribbling, and finishing ability, Diao has demonstrated why clubs across Europe have been tracking his progress.
Liverpool's Long-Term Plans for the Right Flank
Liverpool's interest in Diao is particularly intriguing given the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future. With the Egyptian icon's contract set to expire at the end of the season and no clear progress on a renewal, the club's recruitment team is actively assessing potential replacements.
CaughtOffside notes: "Should Salah bid farewell, the Reds would be left with a considerable void in their attacking ranks on the right flank." While replacing Salah's consistency and world-class output will be a monumental task, Liverpool appear to be preparing for every possibility.
Diao, with his versatility and goal-scoring ability, fits the profile of a player Liverpool might look to develop within Arne Slot's system. At 19, he represents a raw but exciting talent who could be moulded into a long-term option for the club.
Newcastle's Interest and Premier League Competition
Newcastle are also in the hunt for reinforcements in attacking areas following Miguel Almirón's departure. Eddie Howe's side has prided itself on attacking intensity and width, and with their ambitions of maintaining a top-four push, bolstering the right flank remains a priority.
While Newcastle's spending power makes them a viable competitor for any young talent, Liverpool's recent track record with developing wingers—most notably Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo—could give them an edge in any potential transfer battle.
At this stage, any move for Diao remains speculative, particularly given his recent switch to Como. However, the fact that Liverpool and Newcastle continue to track him suggests that his name is one to watch in the coming months.
Our View – Anfield Index
For Liverpool fans, any talk of replacing Mohamed Salah is bound to stir debate. The Egyptian King has been a game-changer for the club, and while a move for Diao may seem premature, it does highlight Liverpool's forward-planning approach in the transfer market.
Diao is an exciting talent—quick, direct, and with an eye for goal—but whether he could realistically step into Salah's boots is another question entirely. At just 19, he remains untested at the highest level of European competition, and there is always the risk of overhyping young players too soon.
A move for Diao may not happen in the immediate future, but if Liverpool are monitoring him now, it could signal that they see him as a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix.
If Salah does leave, Liverpool will need more than just potential—they will need proven quality. Whether Diao fits that bill remains to be seen, but for now, fans will be watching his development closely.
Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given th...
Liverpool are set to part ways with Darwin Nunez this summer, and the Uruguay striker could be set for a move to Spain, where he previously played with Almeria. And despite interest from a number of clubs, including Serie A leaders Napoli, the likelihood is that La Liga is his most likely destination.Nunez is keen to leave Anfield this summer having had a difficult season under Arne Slot. Liverpoo...
LIVERPOOL icon Steven Gerrard could be poised to make a return to Rangers, according to reports.Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson left the club following Saturday's match against Hibernian.The 47-year-old took over on a temporary basis following the dismissal of Philippe Clement in February.Rangers are now on the hunt for a permanent successor.And the Daily Mail has claimed that Gerrard is on...
Jeremie Frimpong completes first part of Liverpool medicalLiverpool have not taken long to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Reds are on the verge of completing the transfer of Jeremie Frimpong.Multiple reports have now suggested that the Reds have reached an agreement with Die Werkself over the €35 million (£29.4m/$39m) transfer of the 24-year-old Dutch international. Additionally,...
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 6 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 10 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves