Liverpool’s pursuit of a new winger continues, but the club are refusing to put all their eggs in one basket.
According to Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Reds are still searching for a pacey and versatile wide player, with several alternative targets under consideration should a move for Bradley Barcola fail to materialise.
While Barcola remains Liverpool’s preferred option, the club are reportedly preparing contingency plans in case Paris Saint-Germain refuse to lower their asking price.
Barcola Still the Priority
Liverpool’s admiration for Bradley Barcola has been well documented throughout the summer.
The French international possesses exactly the qualities Andoni Iraola is believed to want:
● Explosive pace.
● Direct dribbling.
● Creativity in one-on-one situations.
● Versatility across the front line.
The problem remains PSG’s valuation.
The French champions continue to demand a huge fee, and Liverpool are reluctant to overpay—even for a player they rate so highly.
Alternative Targets Already Identified
Rather than waiting indefinitely, Liverpool have reportedly identified a number of other options.
Among them are:
● Saïd El Mala (Köln)
● Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
Both players are viewed as exciting young talents with significant potential.
While neither currently carries Barcola’s reputation, they fit Liverpool’s long-term recruitment model of signing players before they reach their peak value.
Yankuba Minteh Still Admired
Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has also been discussed internally.
The Gambian enjoyed an impressive campaign and has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs.
However, the report suggests there are no active talks at this stage, indicating Liverpool are focusing their efforts elsewhere for now.
Rayan Remains the Dream Signing
One name that continues to excite supporters is Rayan.
The Bournemouth teenager is reportedly admired by Liverpool, but any deal appears extremely difficult.
His release clause—reported to be more than €100 million (around £85 million)—does not become active until 2027.
That means Liverpool are unlikely to make a move unless Bournemouth’s stance changes dramatically.
For now, Rayan remains more of a long-term ambition than an immediate target.
Pedro Neto Not on the List
Interestingly, the report also dismisses one rumour that has circulated among supporters.
Despite speculation linking Pedro Neto with Liverpool, Jacobs and Crook state that the Chelsea winger is not believed to be on the club’s shortlist.
That clarification may surprise some fans, given Neto’s Premier League pedigree, but it suggests Liverpool are prioritising different profiles.
Liverpool Refusing to Panic
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that Liverpool appear calm.
The club still want Barcola, but they are not prepared to let one difficult negotiation define their summer.
Instead, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards seem determined to stick to Liverpool’s long-standing recruitment strategy:
Identify the right player.
Negotiate patiently.
And always have alternatives ready.
Whether that patience eventually delivers Bradley Barcola—or one of the exciting names waiting behind him—remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear.
Liverpool’s search for a new winger is far from over.
Source: @JacobsBen & @alex\_crook
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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