Liverpool are now considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after Yan Diomande indicated a preference for a transfer to the French champions, according to TEAMtalk. The Reds had been heavily pursuing Diomande, submitting a package worth around €100million (£86.3m / $114m) for the RB Leipzig player, but PSG have opened formal discussions and secured the player’s interest.
Diomande’s representatives have informed Liverpool that, should he leave Leipzig this summer, his priority would be a move to the Parc des Princes. PSG’s transfer advisor, Luis Campos, has a strong relationship with Leipzig’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Oliver Mintzlaff, which is believed to be aiding negotiations. Leipzig are currently holding firm on a valuation closer to €130million (£112.2m / $148.2m) and are hoping to retain the player for at least another season.
As a result, Liverpool are turning their attention to Barcola, the 23-year-old France international. The winger has reportedly become frustrated with his limited playing time at PSG, particularly during their Champions League run, and is seeking a move where he can secure a first-team role. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is said to be a keen admirer of Barcola, and this could present an opportunity to bring him to Anfield.
Barcola is valued in the region of €90million (£77.6m / $102.6m). Liverpool had previously identified him as a potential alternative to Diomande, and the situation at PSG has now strengthened their interest. PSG are also pursuing Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, but this is viewed as a separate deal to replace Goncalo Ramos, who has moved to AC Milan. They are also considering Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as further attacking options.
Liverpool invested significant time in pursuing Diomande and remain admirers of his potential, but with PSG now in a commanding position and Leipzig’s high valuation remaining, a deal appears increasingly difficult. The Reds’ pursuit of Barcola represents a shift in strategy as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
