Bradley Barcola remains the most convincing target as Liverpool look to add a top winger this summer, but Paris Saint-Germain would want a record fee.
With Yan Diomande expected to join PSG over Liverpool, the focus at Anfield has turned to Barcola, who appears to be at the top of the list to replace Mohamed Salah.
Though not strictly a right winger, playing the majority of his football on the left, the 23-year-old fits the profile as a ready-made, elite-potential forward capable of operating across the front line.
A scarcity of genuine options on the market this summer will strengthen PSG’s hand, with L’Equipe reporting that they would seek a fee of €150 million (£127.8m).
Though PSG remain adamant their No. 29 is “not for sale,” a move later this summer is “not entirely ruled out” depending on talks with Barcola after the World Cup.
3ER40Y1 Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)
Their price tag means that Premier League sides are “virtually the only ones” who could afford a deal, with Arsenal and “especially Liverpool” named as suitors.
However, if Liverpool were to agree to PSG’s demands it would mean breaking their transfer record, which was set upon Alexander Isak‘s £125 million move from Newcastle.
It is not out of the question but there are certainly question marks over whether Barcola matches the same criteria as Isak did last summer – regardless of how the Swede’s time at Anfield has fared so far.
Should Liverpool spend £128m on Bradley Barcola?
3DGXMTJ Bradley BARCOLA of PSG during the French Cup, round of 32 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC on 12 January 2026 at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France - Photo Matthieu Mirville / DPPI
Isak was and remains one of the best strikers in the world and a British record transfer fee was viewed as ambitious when he made the switch to Liverpool.
While Barcola is arguably the standout winger on the market aside from Diomande, there is a less convincing case that he could immediately replace a forward of Salah’s calibre and consistency.
That sums up the gamble Liverpool will be required to make following the Egyptian’s exit, with it widely accepted that there is no like-for-like successor and that the goals and assists will instead need to be shared out.
If PSG stay firm on their €150 million valuation there is cause to argue that the best approach may be in spreading the funds out further with a lower-cost signing such as Brighton‘s Yankuba Minteh while also bolstering the midfield.
Given Diomande’s proposed move to Paris is expected to be drawn out, it would be no surprise if any deal for Barcola is delayed until late in the summer.
That could eventually drive PSG’s price down if the player makes clear his desire to leave – or it could force Liverpool into a difficult decision in pivoting to alternatives.