Liverpool set sight on PSG star after Yan Diomande heartbreak

Liverpool have placed their focus on signing a new winger this summer but their decision to pursue RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has backfired following the youngsters’ decision.

Diomande was Liverpool’s top target as they aim to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah. However, after weeks of pursuing the Ivory Coast winger, he indicated his preference to join Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Footmercato, PSG is very confident about the feasibility of a deal with Leipzig in the coming days. The Bundesliga side had previously held out for a massive fee, which eventually cooled Liverpool’s interest after the Premier League side refused to exceed their own internal valuation for the talented teenager.

With Diomande seemingly heading to Ligue 1, Liverpool have shifted their focus to PSG’s own Bradley Barcola.

According to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old winger features highly on a shortlist of options drawn up by the recruitment team at Anfield.

Barcola’s profile fits the criteria for the long-term successor to Salah, especially following the club’s successful acquisition of Victor Munoz from Osasuna earlier in the window.

Bradley Barcola looks on during a UEFA Champions League match. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Frenchman has played a huge role in PSG’s success since he joined from Lyon but he is reportedly frustrated about being overlooked for selection in the biggest matches.

Specifically, Barcola was left disappointed by his lack of inclusion in the starting lineup for PSG’s recent Champions League final victory over Arsenal, leading to questions about his long-term prospects under Luis Enrique.

PSG are not actively looking to push Barcola out of the door, but with only two years remaining on his current contract, and the potential arrival of Diomande, he could be allowed to leave.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the former Lyon man, but speculations have cooled off over the past few weeks.

Barcola joined PSG in the summer of 2023 for a €45 million fee. Since then, he has made 152 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists.

He currently has 12 trophies to his name at the club, including two Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns.