Liverpool target Barcola to replace Salah and Diaz

Liverpool have been left with a striking void after the summer exits of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, prompting a search for a versatile forward. The Reds have moved to secure France international Bradley Barcola, the 23‑year‑old, with a deal pending a medical at Anfield this weekend.

Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel and football reporter Aadam Patel explained that the club view the signing as essential after losing two key attackers. The departure of Diaz and Salah has left the Reds short‑handed on the left flank, while the future of Cody Gakpo remains uncertain. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have also been linked with the Dutch forward, adding pressure on Liverpool to finalise their own pursuit. Liverpool have also been scouting right‑wing options such as Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

Bradley Barcola is a right‑footed player who prefers operating on the left wing, but he can also feature on the right or through the centre. The France attacker scored three goals for his country at this summer’s World Cup and has a reputation for versatility. He arrived at Paris St‑Germain from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m and has collected three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions Leagues, two French Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup. His ability to cover for Alexander Isak while Hugo Ekitike recovers from an Achilles injury adds further appeal.

Deal structure

Paris St‑Germain initially valued Barcola at £145m, but Liverpool have agreed a package that starts at £106m with £17m in potential add‑ons, taking the total to up to £123m. The initial fee reflects the Reds’ willingness to invest heavily after the summer exits. The add‑on clauses are tied to performance milestones and appearances.

Liverpool’s £123m gamble on Barcola hinges on Gerrard’s verdict

Medical and contract negotiations

Barcola has informed Paris St‑Germain that he will not extend his contract, which runs until 2028, and is eager to move this summer. Personal terms have already been agreed with the Merseyside club, and he is awaiting clearance to travel to the North West of England for his medical. A breakthrough in negotiations is expected imminently, after which he will travel across the channel to complete the transfer.

The club also sees Barcola as a solution to the uncertainty surrounding Gakpo. Reds boss Andoni Iraola said he cannot guarantee anything about Gakpo’s future but hopes to keep the 27‑year‑old at the club. Barcola’s arrival would provide depth on both flanks and a potential partner for Isak, while also covering for Ekitike’s injury lay‑off.

Iraola tells Liverpool forwards to exhaust themselves at Anfield

With the medical scheduled for this weekend, Liverpool aim to finalise a long‑term contract at Anfield shortly afterwards. The completion of the deal hinges on the medical outcome and the activation of the add‑on clauses. Should all go to plan, Barcola will become the latest high‑profile signing in Liverpool’s rebuilding phase.