Liverpool and Newcastle Monitoring Serie A Winger’s Progression
Liverpool’s search for a successor to Mohamed Salah may have led them to Serie A, with reports indicating that the club is closely monitoring the rapidly rising star, Assane Diao. At just 19 years old, the teenage winger has already caught the attention of Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool and Newcastle United, despite having only recently completed a move to Como in January. According to CaughtOffside, both clubs are keenly observing Diao’s progress, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact in the near future. Given his quick adaptation to Italian football and standout performances, it’s no surprise that top-flight clubs are keeping a close eye on his development.
Rising Star in Serie A
Diao’s journey to Como is a testament to his burgeoning talent. He arrived from Real Betis for a club-record €12 million fee and has wasted no time making a name for himself. In his first four matches, he has already netted four goals, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level. Originally from Senegal, Diao has also represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U-21 side. His involvement in the squad that lifted the U-19 European Championship in 2024 further cements his status as a promising prospect. With a combination of speed, dribbling, and finishing ability, Diao has quickly become a player to watch in European football.
Liverpool’s Long-Term Plans for the Right Flank
Liverpool’s interest in Diao is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future. The club’s Egyptian icon is a crucial part of their attack, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the recruitment team is actively assessing potential replacements. CaughtOffside notes that should Salah leave, Liverpool would face a significant void in their attacking ranks on the right flank. Replacing Salah’s consistency and world-class output will be a monumental task, but Liverpool appear to be preparing for every possibility. Diao, with his versatility and goal-scoring ability, fits the profile of a player the club might look to develop under Arne Slot’s system. At 19, he represents a raw but exciting talent who could be molded into a long-term option for the club.
Newcastle’s Interest and Premier League Competition
Newcastle United, under the stewardship of Eddie Howe, is also in the market for reinforcements in attacking areas, especially following Miguel Almirón’s departure. The club has prided itself on its attacking intensity and width, and with their ambitions of maintaining a top-four push, bolstering the right flank remains a priority. Newcastle’s financial clout makes them a formidable competitor for any young talent, but Liverpool’s recent success in 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 both 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 discussion of replacing Mohamed Salah is bound to stir debate. Salah 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.
Conclusion
The interest from Liverpool and Newcastle in Assane Diao underscores the potential of the young winger. His rapid rise in Serie A and his performances for Como have positioned him as a player to watch. For both clubs, the race to sign Diao could be a significant move in their long-term strategies. Whether Diao joins Liverpool to bolster their attack or Newcastle to strengthen their bid for a top-four finish, his development and potential to make a significant impact in the Premier League are well worth following.
