Liverpool transfer news as the Reds are told a deal for Bradley Barcola will 'never' happen, while an immediate alternative to the Paris Saint-Germain star has been identified
France's Bradley BARCOLA celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 match between France and Sweden at MetLife Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola is the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans are getting understandably anxious about the lack of signings being made by the club as the new season draws into view.
We are now just two-and-a-half weeks away from the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season, and still the only new additions made to the Reds’ squad are Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz - both of whom are yet to play a single minute for their new club in pre-season.
And the injury situation is not getting any better, leaving supporters more than a little worried about the state of the squad as one potential transfer continues to dominate the headlines.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Liverpool has been told Paris Saint-Germain would "never" let Bradley Barcola leave the club, despite the Reds' ongoing interest in the winger.
Barcola already looks to have given the green light for an exit from the European champions after deciding against signing a new contract, with two years remaining on his current deal. Liverpool has reportedly opened talks with PSG as it looks to talk his current club down on its huge valuation.
Former France international Claude Makelele though believes the Reds may be wasting their time, having told ComeOn: "For me, the only player who could come to Liverpool and replace Mohamed Salah would be Bradley Barcola because he's so young and very fast, and has that same speed and promise that Salah provided to Liverpool.
Content Image
Content Image
"That would be the choice I would make but Paris Saint-Germain would never let a player like that leave their squad. Even so, if I was Liverpool I'd go for Barcola."
Liverpool.com says: The big problem for Liverpool is not necessarily that PSG would never sell Barcola, but more that it'll likely demand huge money for him. Luis Enrique has built a successful and cohesive unit, and he won't want a player in his squad who doesn't want to be there.
At the same time though, his quality is undoubted, and it would only take one injury for him to be back in the running in Paris, so he clearly still holds a lot of worth for his current club. It's not going to be an easy deal for Liverpool to get done.
Rayan (Bournemouth)
Liverpool has identified Bournemouth's Rayan as its "plan B" should it fail in its attempts to sign Barcola, according to Caught Offside.
The 20-year-old has of course already played under new Reds boss Andoni Iraola, and has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer.
Rayan of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rayan has been linked as alternative option for Liverpool
Liverpool has other players lined up as possible alternatives, including Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with the club needing to keep its options open as PSG is claimed to be seeking up to $195 million (£145M) for Barcola.
Liverpool.com says: Rayan looks to have a bright future, having already played at the World Cup for Brazil and integrated well into the Premier League after his move to Bournemouth in January.
Much like Barcola though, he would likely cost Liverpool a huge amount, and with other areas of the squad needing to be addressed, the Reds would have to weigh up whether he will be as good as the early stages of his career suggest he might be.