Liverpool pivot to Barcola after Diomande deal collapses

Liverpool have confirmed contact with Paris Saint-Germain about signing 13-goal scorer Bradley Barcola after the collapse of a move for Yan Diomande. The Reds' pursuit of the French forward follows the snub of Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, who was previously their primary target. Liverpool Football Club need a big‑name attacker to replace Mohamed Salah, according to their transfer strategy. Bradley Barcola, a 13‑goal scorer, is seen as a player who can instantly hit the ground running, while Yan Diomande was regarded as a massive risk despite solid underlying statistics and the ability to operate on either wing. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Liverpool have already been in contact with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Barcola. "Paris Saint-Germain has already discussed directly with several clubs, including Liverpool, for Bradley Barcola," he wrote on X, adding that "Yan Diomande's transfer automatically opens the door to a departure for the Frenchman, who is expected to leave PSG this summer. More info soon."

Liverpool's winger hunt pivots to Köln's El Mala as Diomande stalls

Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes are expected to evaluate every option before committing to a deal. Because Yan Diomande was Liverpool's first choice, any alternative now enters the frame as a backup rather than a primary target. Said El Mala, Yankuba Minteh and Matias Fernandez‑Pardo have also been linked with a Liverpool move, each capable of shifting across the three forward positions. Two of them are primarily left‑wingers, but their versatility adds depth to the Reds' scouting list. If Liverpool secure Barcola, they will gain a versatile attacker ahead of the 2026‑27 season. For Paris Saint-Germain, the collapse of the Diomande deal could clear a pathway for the French forward to depart, aligning both clubs' transfer objectives.