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Liverpool find themselves back at square one in their search to replace Mohamed Salah, after their top target, Yan Diomande, was reportedly swayed by Paris Saint-Germain’s ambitious project.

According to transfer expert David Ornstein, Diomande now prefers a move to PSG this summer, drawn by the club’s glittering trophy-laden vision.

This development means Liverpool will need to widen their hunt for a new right winger, even though they have already secured Victor Munoz to strengthen the left flank.

Munoz is versatile and capable of operating on either wing, giving the Reds flexibility in their recruitment strategy.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Salah himself was once a backup option for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp had initially set his sights on Julian Brandt before turning to Salah — and that plan B worked out rather well in the end.

We examine six possible alternatives to Diomande who could prove to be smart signings for Liverpool this summer.

What better way to get back at PSG for hijacking Diomande than by signing one of their own players?

Bradley Barcola could become available if he slips down PSG’s pecking order after spending three years with the French champions, and Liverpool are believed to be monitoring him closely.

With 39 goals from 152 appearances (including 107 starts) for PSG, Barcola’s record is decent. At just 23 years old — four years senior to Diomande and two years younger than Salah was when he arrived at Anfield — he still has plenty of room to grow.

One caveat is that Barcola is a right-footed left winger. While Diomande is also right-footed, he was targeted to play on the right flank for Liverpool.

However, Barcola has featured on the right wing for PSG, including in their Champions League clash against Liverpool last season, suggesting he could adapt if required.

This next one may be a tougher deal, but it would give new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola a chance to work again with a player he nurtured at Bournemouth.

Rayan, who joined the Premier League side from Vasco da Gama in January, impressed immediately. Despite being only 19, he scored five goals in 15 games and earned a call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.

The talented left-footed winger operates predominantly from the right side — not identical to Diomande’s profile but reminiscent of Salah’s inverted-winger style, though Rayan’s approach is more direct and physical.

Taller than the average winger, Rayan would add strength to Liverpool’s attack, but Bournemouth are unlikely to part with him so soon after his arrival.

Here’s a bold idea — but perhaps one worth exploring.

There have been faint murmurs suggesting Liverpool could be interested in signing Ndiaye from their local rivals Everton.

No player has crossed directly from Everton to Liverpool since Abel Xavier in 2002, but Ndiaye could be a rare candidate to make that switch.

Capable of playing on both flanks, Ndiaye featured more often on the right last season and shares several traits with Diomande, including his preferred right foot.

At 26, he is entering his prime years, and his Premier League experience could make him a valuable addition. Convincing Everton to strengthen their fiercest rivals, however, would be a monumental challenge.

Another domestic option could be Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

This move might have made even more sense had Arne Slot remained in charge at Liverpool, given their previous collaboration at Feyenoord. Still, there’s a compelling argument for Minteh’s suitability under Iraola as well.

The Gambian winger has pace to burn and is known for his relentless pressing — qualities that align well with Iraola’s high-energy system.

Although Minteh’s second Premier League campaign with Brighton was less productive than his debut year, he remains a promising prospect, turning 22 in July.

He prefers operating on the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot. While he may come cheaper than Diomande, his Premier League pedigree ensures he won’t be a bargain buy either.

Another name making waves in transfer circles is Fernandez-Pardo, who is currently representing Belgium at the World Cup.

The Lille forward has just completed the most productive season of his career, netting eight goals and contributing seven assists.

Though those figures don’t quite match Salah’s peak or even Diomande’s recent output, the 21-year-old’s potential is undeniable.

Fernandez-Pardo’s versatility could also appeal to Liverpool. Having learned to play as a striker last season, he could provide cover while Hugo Ekitike recovers from injury, lessening the burden on Alexander Isak.

That said, when deployed on the wings, Fernandez-Pardo tends to favour the left side over the right.

Finally, there’s El Mala — another exciting young talent who burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga last season.

The 19-year-old Germany youth international scored 13 goals in 34 appearances for FC Koln, following up an impressive U19 European Championship campaign in which he finished as top scorer.

Primarily a left winger, El Mala is comfortable playing centrally and is proficient with both feet, adding to his tactical flexibility.

Brentford were reportedly ready to break their transfer record to sign him this summer, but with that deal now off, Liverpool could look to swoop in for the highly rated forward.