Liverpool remain in the market for a Mohamed Salah replacement, and while they continue to be linked with a host of names, there is only one man they really ought to be pushing to sign.
Salah said goodbye to the Anfield faithful back in May, ending his nine-year love affair with the Merseyside club. The Egyptian scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the Reds, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League in this time.
Leaving as one of the greatest-ever players to wear a Liverpool shirt, it's imperative to the club's new iteration under Andoni Iraola that they source a similarly productive wide forward.
Whether they operate predominantly on the right or left is not necessarily important, but the north-west outfit must replace Salah's relentless output. Yan Diomande has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, but looks to be set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead. The likes of Bradley Barcola, Yankuba Minteh, Said El Mala and Rayan have also been linked.
And it is the Frenchman whom Liverpool should be the one the recruitment department go after and if PSG snare Diomande they may have the perfect opportunity to do so.
Liverpool should go all out for Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola PSG
There is a shortage of top-class wingers on the market at the moment, and that leaves Liverpool with a tough decision to make regarding their Salah replacement pursuit.
The majority of the names being linked with a move to Anfield are highly-rated youngsters with great potential, rather than established stars who are ready to come straight in and make an impact.
After Diomande made his desire to join Paris Saint-Germain clear, it was suggested that Liverpool will turn their attention to Bradley Barcola. Developments on this front have since gone quiet, but the Reds should prioritise the signing of the Frenchman and accelerate their move for him before another club does.
Arsenal have been mooted as potential suitors for Barcola, so Liverpool must step up their interest before the Premier League champions convince the 23-year-old to move to North London.
While Barcola still has rough edges, he's the most polished winger available on the market. If PSG secure the signing of Diomande, the former Lyon man will be left surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes, surely making him available for Liverpool to swoop in.
Boasting frightening pace, effective dribbling skills and a consistent goal threat, Barcola has the potential to explode in a settled team where he is the primary attacker. In the 2024/25 season, the France international scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists across all competitions, showcasing his attacking quality and ability to produce consistently in the final third - exactly what Liverpool require in their post-Salah era.
While predominantly a left winger, Barcola can be deployed off the right, meaning he can fill the Egypt international's old role or directly replace Cody Gakpo - who has been linked with Tottenham.
Ultimately, it's a no-brainer. Liverpool can sign a player who needs work and development, like an El Mala or a Rayan, and take a significant hit in terms of output in the short-term.
Or, they can sign Barcola, described by football analyst Ben Mattinson as 'elite', and improve immediately on what Salah was able to offer last season.
Liverpool need to be prepared to break the bank for Barcola
Bradley Barcolavia Reuters
The concern is that PSG will demand a king's ransom for Barcola. The French juggernauts spent around £38 million on him back in 2023, and will understandably want to see a significant return on this investment after years of developing the player.
Some reports suggest it may take upwards of £128million to sign Barcola. While this is steep, he is the most complete winger available on the market, and that is the price a player of that calibre is currently going for.
Tottenham just spent £100million on Sandro Tonali, while Manchester City splashed £116million on Elliot Anderson. Prices have never been more inflated, and the cost of signing a match-winning winger is greater than an accomplished central midfielder.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
While Liverpool will need to be cautious that the price for Barcola doesn't become too insane, in excess of £120 million is reasonable given the context of the market.
Additionally, if Diomande swaps Leipzig for Paris, then the Reds should have some leverage in negotiations. Luis Enrique would have a surplus of wingers, likely leaving Barcola agitating for a move.
If he wants to leave and PSG are aware that they probably need to sell, then that should drive the price down at least somewhat for the Merseyside outfit.
Ultimately, however, they should pay up for one of Europe's most talented forwards.
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