Liverpool are still pushing hard to complete the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but they reportedly have a Plan B option to bring in.
Barcola has become the Reds’ priority signing in the current transfer window, but agreeing a fee with PSG is an issue, as journalist Pete O’Rourke has outlined, saying:
“The problem is trying to agree a fee with PSG. Obviously PSG are holding out for big money, around £120 million for Barcola. Liverpool don’t really want to pay that much for him. They’re hoping they can get him for under £100million plus add-ons, with incentives, maybe, to bring that deal closer to PSG’s valuation.
“Again it’s a deal that’s ongoing. There’s optimism, I think, on Liverpool’s side that the deal can be done, especially now if they’ve got the thumbs up from the player’s side that he would be keen to make that move to Anfield, and that’s big factor in it.”
Now, a report from Caught Offside continues to talk up Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola ahead of the new season, but they add that Bournemouth winger Rayan has “emerged as Liverpool’s Plan B” option if the move doesn’t happen.
It is claimed that the Brazil international “already understands” head coach Andoni Iraola’s “demanding” style of play, and he “would offer speed, strength and considerable development potential.”
Can Rayan be a more natural Mo Salah replacement for Liverpool?
For all the talk of Barcola joining Liverpool – he would be a great signing – Rayan could be more tailor-made to be a natural successor to Mohamed Salah, given his best role.
Like the Egyptian legend, the 20-year-old is a left-footed player who is at his most dangerous on the right flank, and Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti praised him during the 2026 World Cup:
“He did a complete job. Offensive and defensive. I am satisfied with the game he played. He is young, he has maturity and he works hard. Nobody knows the level he can reach.”
Barcola should still be considered a priority for Liverpool, and he would hopefully shine on both wings, but Rayan feels like a great backup option for them.
If money wasn’t an issue, they would sign both.