Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, as the French champions have made clear they have no intention of selling the 23-year-old this summer. According to a report in The Athletic, PSG have slapped a price tag of more than £116 million on Barcola, matching the fee Manchester City are reportedly set to pay for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
PSG's stance on Barcola deal
Barcola, who is under contract at the Parc des Princes until 2028, has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool during the summer transfer window. However, PSG are firmly intent on keeping the France international, despite his reluctance to sign a new deal. This stance represents a considerable setback for Liverpool as they look to bolster their wide forward options following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate as free agents.
The Reds have long been expected to conduct significant transfer business this summer, with new manager Andoni Iraola preparing for his debut season after replacing Arne Slot earlier this month.
Yan Diomande prefers PSG move
Liverpool's hopes have also been dampened by the news that 19-year-old RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande has indicated a desire to join PSG. The Reds had identified Diomande as a primary target and were ready to offer up to £86 million for the Ivory Coast international. However, reports over the weekend suggest PSG are now frontrunners to land the gifted teenager, who is a Champions League winner.
An earlier report from The Athletic indicated that Liverpool had pinpointed alternatives to Diomande, including Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln's Said El Mala, and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo. However, no significant developments have emerged regarding any of those three players.
Liverpool's first summer signing
Despite the setbacks, Liverpool have already confirmed one signing since Iraola's appointment: Victor Munoz has completed a permanent move from Osasuna for a fee understood to be around £34.5 million. The club continues to search for reinforcements as they reshape the squad for the new season.
