Liverpool have moved quickly to bolster their attacking options3 this summer, but their pursuit of a marquee wide player has taken an intriguing turn.Having already secured Victor Munoz from Newcastle United in a €40 million (£34.5m) deal to provide competition and cover for Cody Gakpo on the left flank, the Reds continue their search for further reinforcements in wide areas. The departure of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer has left a significant void, while Gakpo may be required to support Alexander Isak up front until Hugo Ekitike recovers from his Achilles injury.Central to Liverpool’s plans has been RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. However, reports of a second, increased offer reaching €116m (£100m) were swiftly debunked. Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze confirmed there has been no follow-up bid after an initial €100m proposal was rejected. Liverpool officials are still weighing whether to table a fresh offer in the region of €116-120m (£100-104m), though Leipzig are understood to be holding out for a Bundesliga-record €148m (£128m) to consider parting with their star asset.With negotiations for Diomande ongoing but far from straightforward, Liverpool are casting a wider net. Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb reports that the club is monitoring Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, with Tottenham Hotspur also following the 22-year-old Norwegian forward closely. Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and Como are among the other interested parties.Schjelderup’s recent performances have justified the growing attention. The young winger featured in Norway’s opening two World Cup group stage matches and enjoyed a strong club season at Benfica, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances. His form helped the Portuguese side remain unbeaten in the Primeira Liga under Jose Mourinho, though they ultimately fell short of lifting the title.Andreas Schjelderup – Store norske leksikonBenfica signed Schjelderup for €14m and would now demand significantly more. While some valuations put his price at over double the original fee (around €30m), Portuguese newspaper Record reports that the club will only entertain serious offers of €40m or higher.The 22-year-old primarily operates on the left wing — the same area recently strengthened by the arrival of Munoz. That positional overlap partly explains why Liverpool continue to prioritise Diomande, who offers greater versatility by performing effectively on either flank. His two-footed ability and all-round threat make him the more complete solution for Arne Slot’s squad as they look to rebuild their wide options.Even a €120m bid might not be enough to prise Diomande away from Leipzig this summer, given the German club’s desire to retain him for at least one more season. As such, Schjelderup represents a more attainable and exciting alternative — a young, dynamic talent already proving himself at the highest levels for club and country.Meanwhile, speculation continues over Mohamed Salah’s next destination, with reports suggesting a substantial contract awaits the Egyptian star.Liverpool’s summer recruitment remains fluid, but the monitoring of Schjelderup signals a clear intent to add youthful quality and depth to their attack as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
