Richard Hughes' Liverpool focus is clear as MASSIVE update emerges from Anfield

Richard Hughes has his work cut out for him this summer.

The sporting director probably thought most of his hard work was done during the last summer window but, since barely any of their new signings hit the ground running, things haven't worked out like that.

But, now that Andoni Iraola is the Reds' head coach, things are bound to change with the former Bournemouth boss already signing Victor Munoz for the 2026-27 season.

Liverpool were expected to be the team to beat this season with some people even suggesting that the Reds could win the Premier League and the Champions Leaue.

Clearly, that didn't happen, and now that change is clearly needed, the Anfield outfit must figure out who they want and which positions they need to upgrade.

That's why fans may be able to breathe a sigh of relief that Hughes' main target for Liverpool is now clearer than ever.

Liverpool still want Yan Diomande as they've not made a move for Said El Mala yet

Yan Diomande is one of the most sought after players in the world.

The 19-year-old has been setting the Bundesliga alight with his electric pace and keen eye for goal.

His performances in the 2026 World Cup have only further solidified why Liverpool want him and, even though other players such as Said El Mala and Yankuba Minteh are being reported as potential options, a recent update from German outlet Express has made it clear that Diomande is still the one they want.

"It's THE transfer topic at 1. FC Köln this summer: Will Said El Mala (19) stay or leave? Just a few weeks ago, they were on the verge of an agreement with Premier League club Brentford. But the El Mala family backed out shortly before the crucial talks," they wrote.

"Many around the club are already getting nervous: Without the sale of El Mala, does FC Köln even have the financial leeway for new signings?

"Will the new coach, René Wagner (37), even be able to start building a new team at the opening match on July 13, 2026, or will he have to work with a skeleton crew initially?

"EXPRESS.de has learned: There's nothing concrete at the moment! FC Köln has not received an offer for El Mala.

"Rumors linking the club to Newcastle United and Liverpool have recently resurfaced, but FC Köln claims to know nothing about them. And no deals are imminent regarding potential new signings either."

Liverpool could be about to risk their entire season on 19-year-old Yan Diomande

Although it's nice for fans to know that Liverpool clearly see Diomande as their number one target, it's hard not to think about the risks associated with sealing a deal for the Ivory Coast international.

The attacker has only had one season with a decent team in the Bundesliga and, while it may have been an impressive one, it's unclear whether it was just a fluke or not.

Of course, his World Cup performances would suggest that it isn't a fluke but, since RB Leipzig want more than €100 million for him, Hughes and Iraola need to weigh up whether he's worth risking their entire season on.

Last summer, they signed Florian Wirtz for £116 million with the idea of him replacing the creativity that Trent Alexander-Arnold took with him after he chose to join Real Madrid.

That obviously didn't happen and now they could be about to repeat the same mistake and hope that he can fill the void left by Mohamed Salah.

Whereas, if they want for someone such as El Mala who'd only cost around €50 million, there would be much less pressure on him which would allow him to get adjusted and find his feet at his own pace.

These reasons are exactly why it's unclear whether Liverpool going all in for Diomande is going to end up being a good or bad thing.

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