Liverpool have received a potential boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, as the Ligue 1 champions close in on a deal for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande. The Reds have been frequently linked with a move for the France international during the summer transfer window, and the latest developments suggest PSG may be willing to part with the 23-year-old.
Barcola valuation and contract situation
According to The Athletic, PSG have no intention of selling Barcola and have placed a valuation on him in excess of £116 million — the same fee Manchester City are reportedly paying to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Barcola is under contract at the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2028, but the report indicates he is not currently willing to sign an extension. This reluctance could open the door for Liverpool, who are looking to strengthen their wide forward options following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate as free agents.
Diomande chooses PSG
Liverpool had identified RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as a key target, with the Reds reportedly willing to bid up to £86 million for the Ivory Coast international. However, reports over the weekend claimed that the 19-year-old has expressed a preference to move to PSG, making the Champions League winners the favourites to secure his signature. This development has shifted the focus back to Barcola as a potential Liverpool target.
Alternative targets identified
A previous report from The Athletic stated that Liverpool had identified alternatives to Diomande should a move prove unsuccessful. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln's Said El Mala, and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo have all been mentioned as potential options, though no major updates have emerged on any of them. Meanwhile, Liverpool have already confirmed one signing under new manager Andoni Iraola, with Victor Munoz arriving from Osasuna for a fee believed to be around £34.5 million.
