Liverpool has started stepping up its pursuit of Bradley Barcola and is set to make an opening bid for the winger, but still has alternatives in mind in case a deal does not materialize
17:16, 29 Jul 2026Updated 17:16, 29 Jul 2026
Bradley Barcola (France) looks on during Group I FIFA World Cup 2026, Norway and France, Boston Stadium, Boston, USA on June 26 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool finds itself at a crucial stage of the summer transfer window as it steps up its interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The Reds have been in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer after failing to replace Luis Diaz 12 months ago, Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury and Mohamed Salah's departure following the mutual termination of his contract. They have already made one addition with the acquisition of Spanish attacker Victor Munoz from La Liga side Osasuna, but there is still work to be done before the deadline.
Barcola has long been linked with a switch to Anfield, with rumors first emerging 12 months ago following Diaz's exit. A move never came to fruition, and the Frenchman instead remained at PSG, where he went on to win a second Champions League title in two years.
However, the outlook this summer looks very different, and widespread reports over the last week indicate Barcola is unwilling to extend his contract in Paris due to his dissatisfaction with his role under Luis Enrique. With Liverpool at the table, it appears the 23-year-old is ready for a fresh challenge elsewhere, and Anfield is said to be his preferred destination at this stage.
That being said, although news broke Wednesday afternoon that the Reds are preparing their first bid for Barcola, a move is not as straightforward as Liverpool would like. PSG appears likely to miss out on its top target, Yan Diomande, with Real Madrid having entered the race for the RB Leipzig winger, while a staggering £145 million ($192 million) price tag has been placed on Barcola.
If a deal for Liverpool's primary target proves too expensive, or PSG simply refuses to sell, the club is rumored to have a number of different options on its shortlist. According to talkSPORT, there are currently three players being monitored ahead of a possible move.
Said El Mala
Said El Mala, 19, provided 13 goals and five assists in the Bundesliga for FC Koln last season
FC Koln's Said El Mala is one of those players, with the 19-year-old in demand this summer. With the pursuit of Barcola ongoing, Liverpool risks losing out to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, which is also rumored to be interested.
Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo is also said to be a target, but once again a number of clubs, including Arsenal, are reportedly interested in the player. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh offers Premier League experience, while he would also be a more natural successor to Salah as he predominantly operates off the right.
Brighton's willingness to sell, however, is not yet known given Chelsea is closing in on a deal to sign Seagulls striker Danny Welbeck. It is also unclear how much Brighton would demand given the inflated market and the fact Minteh is under contract until 2029.
As attack is not the only area Liverpool needs to strengthen before the deadline, it remains to be seen how much the club can afford to invest in the final third. Defence should also be a priority for the recruitment team following Ibrahima Konate's departure as a free agent and Joe Gomez's latest injury setback in the recent friendly against Sunderland.
In the meantime, Liverpool's preseason preparations continue with a game against Wrexham in New York City. The Reds will then take on Leeds United before returning to England for friendlies against Monaco and Como at Anfield.
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Andoni Iraola will no doubt hope to have the majority of the club's business completed before Liverpool's Premier League campaign kicks off against Newcastle on August 23. The transfer window will slam shut on Tuesday, September 1, giving the Reds just under five weeks to strengthen the squad.