James Pearce has warned Liverpool of the dangers of taking too long to sign Bradley Barcola with the summer transfer window steadily ticking away.
So far, Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet and while both are great signings in their own right, much more is needed to assure fans that the season ahead will be different from the season behind.
Yan Diomande was widely reported as being the priority target for Liverpool before reports emerged claiming he wanted PSG instead. Now, it seems Real Madrid are in the driving seat for his signature.
Liverpool then pivoted to Barcola, but signing the Frenchman will be no easy feat given PSG want around £127m to sell him. That price can certainly be haggled over but after the long-winding Alexander Isak saga from last summer, nerves are beginning to show among the Anfield faithful.
Pearce’s update certainly does little to assuage these fears.
Reporting for The Athletic, Pearce says: “Since their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande floundered, Bradley Barcola has been Liverpool’s top target. However, agreeing a deal is far from straightforward with Paris Saint-Germain, who are under no pressure to sell, valuing the player in excess of £100m.
“Liverpool have also inquired about the availability of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who would be a cheaper alternative. Barcola would certainly be a statement signing given his glittering CV, but if that situation drags on too long, you run the risk of other suitable options being snapped up.”
[?] NEW: Since their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande floundered, Bradley Barcola has been Liverpool’s top target.
However, agreeing a deal is far from straightforward with Paris Saint-Germain, who are under no pressure to sell, valuing the player in excess of £100m.… pic.twitter.com/HcJfouxwyp
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) July 25, 2026
Is Barcola the only suitable target?
In terms of who is available and at the level required for a Mohamed Salah replacement, there aren’t many around that are better than Barcola, even if there are certainly cheaper alternatives.
Talk has surfaced linking Liverpool with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior but the Brazilian would be even more expensive and then there are the reports about his attitude. In terms of quality, he’s as good as they get on the left wing, but his personality might not be the best fit for Liverpool.
Barcola remains the ideal target but things don’t always go to plan in the summer transfer window.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.