Liverpool have been forced to explore alternative attacking options after their pursuits of Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande hit significant roadblocks. The 20-time English champions are in the market for forwards following Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike's ongoing recovery from a long-term injury.
Barcola and Diomande moves blocked
Diomande had emerged as the most likely candidate to join Liverpool, but the Ivorian instead chose Paris Saint-Germain. There was hope that PSG's acquisition of Diomande would allow Barcola to leave, but fresh reports indicate the Ligue 1 giants are not looking to sell and have set a price tag of around £115 million to deter interest. Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but a Premier League move currently appears unlikely.
Three-man shortlist identified
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have drawn up a three-man shortlist of potential targets. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is among them, having registered 17 goal contributions in the previous two Premier League campaigns. Another option is Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who contributed to 13 goals last season (eight goals) and has also been linked with Manchester United. The third candidate is FC Koln's Said El Mala, a 19-year-old German youth international who impressed in the Bundesliga but may lack the immediate star power for a title-chasing side.
Liverpool's summer rebuild under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool narrowly secured Champions League football on the final day of last season, finishing behind the leading pack. New head coach Andoni Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot earlier this summer, will oversee the squad's return to pre-season training in July as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
