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Salah Saudi Switch Looms as Liverpool Plot Leipzig Heist and Konate Deadline Drama Unfolds

Salah Saudi Switch Looms as Liverpool Plot Leipzig Heist and Konate Deadline Drama Unfolds

Graeme Bailey (TEAMtalk) EN 3 April 2026 at 01:47 6 sources
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Mo Salah is edging towards a mega Saudi Pro League move led by Al-Ittihad, as Liverpool target RB Leipzig duo Yan Diomande and Castello Lukeba to fill the void. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate's contract talks stall with interest from Man City and Chelsea. A potential £148m double swoop from Leipzig highlights the Reds' bold rebuild plans.

Salah's Saudi Sunset? Reds Eye Double Leipzig Raid

Fancy a pint and some transfer tittle-tattle? Mo Salah's Anfield era is winding down like a dodgy karaoke session – the Egyptian King's confirmed he's off at season's end after smashing it for Liverpool. But where next? The Saudi Pro League suits are sharpening their chequebooks, with TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey spilling that their dealmakers are 'increasingly confident' of reeling him in.

Talks have heated up lately, building on last summer's mega-bid that nearly tempted him away. Al-Ittihad are out in front, promising Salah the keys to the kingdom – think world's highest-paid player status and a spot as the league's poster boy. Italian and German clubs are sniffing around, plus a wild-card US move, but the Gulf cash looks set to win. Salah's camp even gets to pick his Pro League pad.

Leipzig Lads on Liverpool's Shopping List

While Salah packs his pyramids, the Reds aren't moping – they're plotting a Bundesliga bonanza from RB Leipzig. Top of the wishlist? Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian wizard who's lit up the league with 10 goals and 7 assists in 26 games. We've known since December Liverpool's been in 'daily contact' with his reps, per TEAMtalk.

Leipzig would rather keep him, but a €100m (£87m) bid might pry him loose – especially if he doesn't pen fresh terms. And they're not stopping there. Castello Lukeba, the 23-year-old French centre-back, is eyed as Virgil van Dijk's heir apparent. Sky Germany's Philipp Hinze dropped a bombshell on X: Leipzig's open to cashing in below his €80m release clause, valuing him at €65-70m (£61m). Both open to a summer split after three years together.

Snap up both? That's a cool £148m war chest blown. Imagine the Anfield roar if these two land – Diomande's flair up top, Lukeba bossing the backline. Leipzig fans won't be chuffed, but that's the transfer circus for you.

Konate Contract Cliffhanger: City and Chelsea Crash the Party

Amid the excitement, Liverpool's got a defensive headache brewing with Ibrahima Konate. The 26-year-old's deal expires this summer, and despite a bumper offer – the best he's seen, say sources – he's dragging his feet. Easter deadline came and went without a peep, leaving the Reds sweating.

Konate's reps are globe-trotting options, from Real Madrid (though not as gung-ho as for Trent) to Prem rivals. Graeme Bailey reveals Manchester City and Chelsea have poked exploratory chats with his camp. Free agency looms, pre-contracts possible abroad since New Year – it's a right mess for Arne Slot's backline plans.

Liverpool are desperate to lock him down after a patchy season, but with City and Blues lurking, it could turn into a saga. Will Konate stay loyal or chase trophies elsewhere? Pour another round; this summer's gonna be mental.

(Word count: 512)

Categories

Transfer RumorPlayer NewsClub News

Key Entities

Players:

Mohamed SalahYan DiomandeCastello LukebaIbrahima KonateVirgil van Dijk

Clubs:

Liverpool FCRB LeipzigAl-IttihadManchester City FCChelsea FCReal Madrid CF

Leagues:

Saudi Pro LeagueBundesligaPremier League
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