Liverpool already identified rapid transfer target before Mo Salah concern raised vs Newcastle

 Mohamed Salah has not been at his best since returning from the AFCON midway through January.

Arne Slot was benching the Egyptian in the Premier League prior to that Leeds United interview in December.

Salah was then dropped from the team following his outburst, and after a cameo off the bench against Brighton and Hove Albion, jetted off to compete at the AFCON.

Since returning, the 33-year-old’s performances in a Liverpool shirt have not exactly been amazing.

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Salah did score a free-kick against Qarabag in midweek, but the winger raised concerns during the Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

Mohamed Salah’s declining pace spotted vs Newcastle United

The forward was played through on goal during the first half, and the Salah of old probably would have scored.

However, Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier, who isn’t exactly known for his pace, caught up to the Liverpool man and stopped him in his tracks.

Following that incident, Liverpool fans highlighted Salah’s declining pace this season.

He is now 33 and, as expected, has begun to lose a yard or two towards the end of his playing career.

However, an injection of pace could well be heading to Anfield in 2026, though fans will have to wait until the summer window.

How fast is Yan Diomande?

Back in December, it was reported that Liverpool were among several English clubs to have Yan Diomande ‘in their sights’.

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and more were mooted as potential options as well, but the Reds may have one advantage when it comes to potentially signing the teenager.

Diomande wants to play for Liverpool, confirming as much in an interview in January.

He said: “I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My father’s dream is to see me play for Liverpool.”

Should he indeed get his wish, Liverpool’s pace problem would be quickly solved.

The RB Leipzig talent, as per the Bundesliga website, has recorded the second-fastest speed of any player in Germany’s top tier this season (36.01km/h).

Only Ricky-Jade Jones of FC St. Pauli has notched a higher total than the Liverpool target (36.46km/h).