Liverpool eye Bradley Barcola as Yan Diomande favours PSG move

Liverpool have been forced to rethink their plans for a high-profile winger after top target Yan Diomande made it clear he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds are now exploring the possibility of signing Bradley Barcola, who is also under contract with the Parisian club, as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

• Diomande leaning toward the Parc des Princes

  Liverpool have dropped their pursuit of Diomande, the RB Leipzig teenage sensation. The 19-year-old winger, who impressed during the World Cup, is now expected to commit to the Ligue 1 champions.

  The PSG camp is highly confident that a deal with Leipzig will be finalised quickly. The Bundesliga side initially demanded a huge fee, which cooled the Reds’ interest as they refused to exceed their own internal valuation of the young talent.

• Liverpool see Barcola as prime option

  With Diomande seemingly heading to Ligue 1, Liverpool have turned their attention to Barcola. The 23-year-old winger is high on Anfield’s recruitment shortlist. His profile fits the criteria to eventually succeed Salah, especially after the successful signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

  The French international’s situation at PSG is complex. Although still highly regarded, his future is uncertain because he is frustrated at not being selected for the biggest matches. Specifically, Barcola was disappointed not to start in PSG’s recent Champions League final victory over Arsenal, raising questions about his long-term prospects under Luis Enrique.

• An exit looms for Barcola

  PSG are not actively looking to sell Barcola, but they may be forced to let him go this summer. With only two years left on his current contract, this is the Parisian club’s last chance to secure a significant fee if the winger refuses to extend. The club will not let him leave cheaply, but they are unlikely to block a move if a satisfactory offer arrives.

  Arsenal have been mentioned as a possible destination, but the Gunners seem focused on other targets for now. As the transfer window heats up, Liverpool appear the most determined to test PSG’s resolve, especially if Barcola returns from international duty still concerned about his role in the team.

• Barcola’s trophy-laden PSG journey

  Signed by Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 for €45 million, Barcola has since played 152 matches for the Parisian side across all competitions. The attacker has scored 39 goals and provided 37 assists. His trophy cabinet at PSG includes twelve honours, among them two Champions League titles and three French league championships.

  During the World Cup group stage, he scored against Senegal and provided an assist against Norway while playing for France.