Liverpool are no longer in the running to sign Yan Diomande with the latest bombshell revelation that the Ivorian prefers to join PSG this summer.
For several weeks now, Liverpool were tipped as the favourites to sign the RB Leipzig teenager, but after an exclusive from David Ornstein, it now appears as though the Reds will not be the club to recruit him.
Ornstein reported for The Athletic: “Yan Diomande has chosen Paris Saint-Germain as his next destination if he leaves RB Leipzig this summer.
“The winger sees a move to the French capital as giving him the best opportunity to consistently compete for trophies and potentially become a future Ballon D’or winner.
“Liverpool had previously expressed a willingness to put forward a package approaching €100million (£86.8m; $115m) for him.
“Leipzig were unwilling to accept that offer and have been holding out for closer to €130m while also trying to tie Diomande to fresh terms. The teenager signed a contract until 2030 when he joined from Spanish side Leganes last summer.”
What are the latest ‘Bradley Barcola to Liverpool’ claims?
As you would expect, immediately after Ornstein broke the news that Diomande is more likely to join PSG than Liverpool, reports began to break about Barcola being the primary attacking target.
Fabrizio Romano has said for weeks that while Liverpool’s interest in Diomande was high, supporters should keep an eye on Barcola and that is now ringing very true.
He said: “Bradley Barcola situation remains absolutely open as he’s high on Liverpool list, as reported for months. If both Diomande/Akliouche join PSG, Barcola future could change in case of big proposal. Liverpool keen since summer 2025.”
?? Bradley Barcola situation remains absolutely open as he’s high on Liverpool list, as reported for months.
If both Diomande/Akliouche join PSG, Barcola future could change in case of big proposal.
? Liverpool keen since summer 2025.
?? https://t.co/bpTBDx79tD pic.twitter.com/P7TCCojIfS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2026
Why Barcola was always the better choice even if Diomande becomes a world beater
Liverpool are in a very delicate situation. The club is going through a managerial change while also losing the best right winger the Premier League has seen in the modern era.
Slot is deservedly leaving, but his departure leaves a lot to do in order to steady the ship.
Salah is leaving, but there is no possible replacement for him that will not leave something to be desired.
So, to hear that Diomande is not coming to Liverpool is hardly the end of the world. Only Michael Olise could come close to plugging the massive hole Salah is leaving behind.
Diomande v Barcola: The pros and cons
Diomande is very clearly going to be one of the best forwards in the world, but to reach that potential in the Premier League at his age is a very difficult thing indeed.
Liverpool are losing Salah so they need someone that is on the brink of superstar status, which Barcola is closer to, in my humble opinion. In the last two seasons, he’s become a European champion twice but now needs a big move to a club where he will play regularly.
If Diomande joins PSG, it almost certainly seals Barcola’s departure from PSG.