The Jürgen Klopp era as Liverpool manager gave the fanbase moments to last a lifetime, with the German often relying on the likes of Sadio Mané to provide the goods.
Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2016 when the Red forked out a reported £36m for his signature from Southampton, but such a deal will certainly be one of the best in their history.
The Senegalese winger amassed a total of 269 appearances across all competitions for the club, subsequently managing to score 120 times and registering 42 assists.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
He played a huge role in Klopp’s ability to create a new legacy by winning the Premier League back in 2019/20, with the left-winger part of a deadly trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
However, after his departure to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, the club have lacked a real high-quality player in such an area, with Arne Slot tasked with finding his own version of the attacker.
Liverpool leading the race to sign European star
Over the last couple of weeks, a whole host of attacking talents have been touted with a move to Anfield, with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande just one option being considered.
The Ivorian winger has been one of Europe’s breakout stars in 2025/26, as seen by his incredible record of six goals in just 14 appearances so far this campaign.
yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city
As a result, the Reds have been strongly linked with a move alongside Spurs and Manchester United, but they may hold the edge, with the youngster previously claiming he’s a Liverpool fan.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights this window, with PSG winger Bradley Barcola another talent being considered by the hierarchy on Merseyside.
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are leading the race for his signature this winter, that’s despite a whole host of European giants being interested in the forward’s signature.
The report states that the Frenchman looks set to depart the Parisians in the near future, with Slot’s men currently doing the most work over a potential deal in the near future.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola
His potential departure from the Parc des Princes may come as a surprise to many, but it’s evident that Luis Enrique doesn’t see him as a long-term fit in Paris.
Why Barcola would be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane
After Mane’s move to Bayern a couple of years ago, the responsibility of starring off the left fell to Luis Diaz, after the Colombian joined Liverpool from FC Porto a few months prior.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
The attacker racked up just shy of 150 appearances for the Reds, scoring 41 times during such a period, before following the Senegalese star’s footsteps and moving to the Bundesliga giants.
As a result of his move to Germany, Cody Gakpo has since assumed the role of being the Reds’ regular starter on the left-wing, but his inconsistency has led to the latest transfer rumours.
He’s featured 25 times across all competitions in 2025/26 to date, but has only been able to score six times, with the Dutchman scoring just twice in his last nine appearances.
Big-money addition Hugo Ekitiké has even been asked to operate in an unnatural position out wide to try and provide the goods, but it’s evident the Frenchman is better as a central striker.
Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool
As a result, a deal for his compatriot Barcola would no doubt make him the best winger since Mane’s departure - especially if his stats from the current campaign are anything to go by.
Five goals in just nine starts is impressive enough, but his underlying stats further reflect how impressive he’s been in 2025/26 despite his limited action under Enrique.
Barcola, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Santi Iruleguy, has registered 4.4 progressive passes and 2.1 key passes per 90 in Ligue 1 this campaign.
The aforementioned figures showcase his incredible ability in finding a teammate in attacking areas, which in turn could allow the attackers around him at Anfield to bolster their own tallies.
Bradley Barcola - Ligue 1 stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Progressive carries
Successful take-ons
Shots on target
Passes into 18-yard box
Carries into 18-yard box
Stats via FBref
His talent in possession with the ball is further highlighted in his tally of 2.3 passes into the opposition box per 90, a figure which ranks him in the top 7% of all attackers in Europe this campaign.
Barcola’s biggest asset is no doubt his ability to beat the opposition at will, as seen in his tally of 4.6 progressive carries and 2.2 successful take-ons per 90.
Such numbers hand him every chance of emulating Mane’s success on Merseyside should he make the move, with the former fan-favourite gaining a reputation of gliding past the opposition before firing home.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the PSG star would cost in the current window, it’s evident that the youngster would be yet another huge addition to the first-team ranks.
bradley-barcola-psg
His pace and quality in the final third could finally end the club’s hunt for a new left-winger, which could see the club make a charge back up the Premier League in the months ahead.
marc-guehi-crystal-palace Related
Guehi alternative: Liverpool chasing one of the best young CBs in Europe
The Reds are keen to strengthen their defence as Arne Slot continues to solidify his side.