Liverpool have to react quickly after missing out on Yan Diomande after learning that the RB Leipzig star has chosen Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred next club.
The RB Leipzig winger had been the Reds' top choice to replace Mohamed Salah, and the Ivorian ticks plenty of boxes. At only 19, he is one of the most exciting teenagers in European football, but he won't be arriving at Anfield.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Liverpool have ended their pursuit of Diomande due to the player wanting to join PSG. The club's decision-makers are now exploring alternatives to add a new winger to Andoni Iraola's attack.
Liverpool Should Turn to Barcola
Bradley Barcola (France)Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
There are four players who are on Liverpool's radar, including PSG's Bradley Barcola. With Diomande potentially heading to the Parc des Princes, the French attacker could make way.
Barcola is on the Merseysiders' shortlist and might become available if the Parisians decide to swoop for Diomande. The 23-year-old has been an important player for Luis Enrique and registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions last season.
PSG's interest in Diomande is somewhat surprising given the pool of attacking options they possess. Barcola is one of them, and he will surely be pondering his future if another winger with a similar profile arrives.
Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola
Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola
Praised as "one of the world's best wingers", the former Lyon man's exploits tend to go under the radar in Paris. His teammates Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia often get all the plaudits in the dominant European champions' team.
Liverpool have an opportunity to swoop for Barcola and propose that he becomes their marquee signing to fill the void left by Salah. He has enormous talent and could relish the chance to play a lead role at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Barcola has two years left on his contract and has been with the French capital club since August 2023. He seems a perfect fit for Iraola's system and his versatility could see him used on either flank.
Barcola is the Best of the Lot
Bradley Barcolavia Reuters
There are four wingers on Liverpool's wishlist who they are considering turning to after conceding defeat in the race for Diomande. They also admire Koln's Said El Mala, Lille's Matias Fernandes-Pardo and Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh.
Barcola is undoubtedly the best option of the four, as he has been part of a team that has dominated Europe and French football. He's even earning game time for France at the World Cup and is arguably outperforming PSG teammate Doue.
A move for Barcola will, of course, be dependent on whether the Parisian giants decide to sign Diomande. Some reports claim the Ligue 1 club will be demanding around €80 million (£69m).
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola looks on during Premier League match Related
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