Liverpool are in talks to sign a £70m “world class” player

The next few months will be crucial for Arne Slott and Liverpool as they try to build momentum to return to Premier League glory in time for the 2026/26 campaign.

The Reds could only finish in fifth place this season, after which they finished the campaign 25 points behind the defending champions, Arsenal.

Such a finish was made all the more disappointing after the manager spent more than £450m during the transfer market last summer – and more investment is expected this time around.

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will leave Anfield on free transfers at the end of June, again highlighting the need for more reinforcements across the board.

Although the season ended a few days ago, the Reds wasted no time in drawing up a list of targets to help their chances of success on Merseyside next term.

Liverpool are in talks to sign the £70m star this summer

In an attempt to strengthen the club’s attacking department to replace Salah this summer, a number of players are said to be interested in joining Liverpool.

RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets, with PSG also said to be interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer.

However, any deal would be a huge investment for the Reds’ management, as the Bundesliga side have put an asking price of €100m (£87m) on his head to prevent any interest.

As a result, other options are currently being considered, with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams also appearing on the Slot shortlist in recent days.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have already entered into talks with the player’s representatives regarding a move to Anfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

It has also been confirmed that the player himself expects to leave the LaLiga club in the next window – with the club also planning his departure.

The Spaniard was set to cost a pretty penny in the off-season, with a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) raised to lure him away from Athletic Club.

Why Nico Williams would be better than Liverpool’s Diomande

Liverpool’s efforts to land Diomande this summer have been no secret, with the RB Leipzig star emerging as one of the club’s key targets ahead of the upcoming window.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the best attacking talents in Europe in recent months, as evidenced by his 12 goals in his first Bundesliga campaign.

Arguably his best performance of 2025/26 came against Eintracht Frankfurt in early December, as the Ivorian scored his first hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing.

The Slot men are obviously big fans of the striker, but as previously mentioned, his £87m asking price could be a strong point ahead of the summer.

His lack of experience at the highest level could also be a concern, and a move for Williams could be a sensible option ahead of next season.

The Spaniard has starred in Europe’s top five leagues over the past five seasons, amassing 31 goals and 32 assists for the LaLiga giants in the aforementioned period.

The 23-year-old also netted for Spain in their Euro 2024 win over England, further highlighting his ability to provide goods in front of goal at the biggest stage.

During the current campaign, he has been able to outperform Diomande in a number of key areas – with his many stats no doubt giving Slot the extra attacking star he craves.

Williams, described as “world class” by journalist Zach Lowy, has completed some of the games he attempted in the 2025/26 campaign.

The aforementioned position is undoubtedly an important position for any wide forward, with Williams’ departure giving the Reds a top-quality threat in that department.

The Spaniard added to his impressive run of the past few months, after finishing off many of his attempted crosses against Diomande.

He’s played more fouls than 90 this season, while also winning more penalties – opponents often can’t stop Williams from going full-on.

His best season in LaLiga saw him register a combined 24 goals and assists – a number the RB Leipzig star could better in the early days of his career.

There is no disputing that both players are fantastic strikers and the two options would undoubtedly improve the options available at Slot on Merseyside.

However, a move for Williams could be the right decision for the Reds this summer, with the Spaniard having proven and consistent attacking talent.

A transfer fee of £70m would appear to be a potential bargain, while it has the potential to make a profit in the coming years, as the Spaniard is still only 23 years old.