Liverpool are beginning background work on identifying potential successors to Mohamed Salah, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola one of the names under consideration, according to CaughtOffside.
With uncertainty still surrounding Salah’s long-term future, Liverpool have quietly moved into the early stages of planning for a possible departure. According to sources speaking to CaughtOffside, there is a genuine possibility that Salah could leave Anfield - prompting the club to assess several wide forwards who could eventually take his place.
Barcola is understood to be among the priority options being tracked, while Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo is also being monitored as part of the wider search.
PSG want to keep Barcola - but Liverpool still see an opening
Bradley Barcola PSG
One hurdle for Liverpool is PSG’s current stance. Barcola, 23, is under contract until 2028, and the French champions are believed to be keen to retain him. The club may even attempt to offer him a new deal to strengthen their position.
However, he is still considered a realistic target.
The £170,000-a-week winger has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique, largely due to heavy competition for attacking roles at PSG. As a result, he may be tempted by the opportunity to join a club willing to offer more consistent minutes — particularly one where he could be viewed as the long-term successor to Salah.
Sources also suggested that other major Premier League sides, including Manchester United, could enter the race if PSG soften their stance.
“Liverpool have already begun background work”
arne slot liverpool
A well-placed figure within the industry told CaughtOffside that Liverpool’s admiration for Barcola is well-established.
“Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah,” the source said. “A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”
Additional sources said Barcola would be “open” to evaluating his options, which could create an opportunity for Liverpool if PSG are willing to negotiate.
Why Barcola fits Liverpool’s succession plan
Barcola’s attributes match the typical profile Liverpool target in wide forwards — pace, directness, technical quality, and the ability to create and score from the flanks. His numbers continue to rise too, with six goals and five assists across all competitions for club and country this season.
At 23, he fits the ideal long-term planning window for Liverpool’s recruitment model. The club have historically tried to secure wide forwards early in their development curve and allow them to grow into major roles.
If Liverpool eventually need to replace Salah, Barcola is expected to remain among the names under serious consideration.