Liverpool have moved decisively in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, making fresh contact with the French international’s representatives this week and receiving strong encouragement that the 23-year-old is set to depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer.The rapid developments have elevated Barcola to the top of a six-man winger shortlist as the Reds look to replace Mohamed Salah on the right flank following a significant twist in their transfer plans.As previously reported, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande informed Liverpool that, should he leave Germany, his preference would be to join PSG. That revelation forced Arne Slot’s side to pivot quickly, with Barcola now emerging as their primary target.Sources indicate Liverpool have held further positive discussions with Barcola’s camp in recent days. The player is understood to be preparing for a move away from the Parc des Princes, where he has grown frustrated by his diminishing role.While Barcola featured regularly in PSG’s attacking rotation earlier in the season, he now finds himself behind the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order. That sense of stagnation was underlined during the Champions League campaign, where he was limited to a bit-part role in the semi-finals against Bayern Munich and appeared for just seven minutes in the final against Arsenal.Those experiences appear to have convinced the France international that his long-term future lies elsewhere. Although manager Luis Enrique and sporting adviser Luis Campos are both admirers and would prefer to keep him, they reportedly accept that Barcola deserves regular first-team football — something PSG’s depth makes increasingly difficult to guarantee.The situation has shifted even more favourably for Liverpool as PSG push ahead with an ambitious double swoop. The Ligue 1 champions are closing in on deals for Diomande and Monaco playmaker Maghnes Akliouche, with the pair expected to cost a combined €200m. Those incoming transfers are being funded in part by player sales, including the already-completed departure of Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan and the impending exit of Randal Kolo Muani.With Barcola having made it clear he will not sign a new contract in Paris, the French champions are now prepared to sanction his sale. PSG are understood to value the winger at around €120m — a figure that matches their expected outlay on Diomande.Liverpool have been fully briefed on the financial demands and remain undeterred. Club sources believe Barcola possesses the pace, versatility, and elite potential needed to become a key figure in the next phase of the squad’s evolution under the new regime.However, lessons learned from the Diomande situation mean Liverpool are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Extensive scouting work has already been conducted on several alternatives, including Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Cologne youngster Said El Mala, AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Traore, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Barcola remains the clear priority, but the club are keeping options open.Competition is inevitable. Arsenal continue to monitor the situation closely, while Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid have all been informed of developments. Nevertheless, Liverpool and Arsenal currently appear to be the two Premier League sides showing the strongest interest.Importantly, Barcola has no desire to move to the Saudi Pro League, which narrows the pool of realistic suitors and strengthens the position of top European clubs.With the summer transfer window heating up, Liverpool’s swift action on Barcola signals clear intent to rebuild their attacking options following Salah’s departure. Whether they can get the deal over the line remains to be seen, but the latest updates suggest the Reds have genuine belief that a move is achievable.
