Liverpool’s search for a new winger has become the biggest story of their summer, with PSG sensation Bradley Barcola their dream target for Andoni Iraola.
Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor left a hole that could never be filled by one player. Liverpool lost their source of goals, but also the forward who had defined the right side of their attack for nine years.
The Reds triggered Victor Muñoz’s £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna, bringing in a Spain international who can operate on either flank, and Liverpool initially pushed hard for Yan Diomande.
Their interest in the RB Leipzig teenager was serious, with Sky Sports reporting that they were prepared to discuss a deal worth around £86 million.
Leipzig wanted more, and Diomande has now joined Real Madrid in a package that could rise to £120 million.
Michael Olise was another dream option.
His numbers for Bayern Munich were outstanding last season, but the German champions made it clear that they had no intention of selling. Anthony Gordon also featured in Liverpool’s thinking before completing his move from Newcastle to Barcelona.
Liverpool winger targets/summer signings by league stats — 2025/2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | 2025/26 club | Apps | Goals | Assists | Liverpool situation |
Michael Olise | Bayern Munich | 32 | 15 | 19 | Dream target, but Bayern refused to sell. |
Yan Diomande | RB Leipzig | 33 | 12 | 8 | Serious pursuit ended, joined Real Madrid. |
Bradley Barcola | PSG | 29 | 11 | 1 | Live target, talks progressing. |
Anthony Gordon | Newcastle | 26 | 6 | 2 | Considered before joining Barcelona. |
Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco | 31 | 6 | 6 | Liverpool checked his availability. |
Victor Muñoz | Osasuna | 34 | 6 | 2 | Signed by Liverpool for £34.5 million. |
Ibrahim Mbaye | PSG | 24 | 3 | 2 | Separate option valued around £35 million to £43 million. |
Those setbacks have brought Barcola sharply into focus.
The 23-year-old joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 and has since developed into one of France’s most dangerous wide players. He is at his best attacking open grass, shifting the ball past defenders and racing into the penalty area before they can recover.
Barcola was not always guaranteed a starting place in PSG’s attack, but he still featured 49 times across all competitions.
His ability to play on both sides would appeal to Iraola.
Liverpool need speed and unpredictability around Cody Gakpo, if he stays amid interest from Tottenham, alongside Rio Ngumoha and Munoz.
There has clearly been movement from the player’s side, with L’Équipe reporting last month that Barcola had spoken to Iraola and Liverpool officials before giving the club his approval in principle.
That was not a contract agreement, though, while PSG and Liverpool remain some distance apart over the money.
Barcola only has two years left on his current deal, but reports have placed their demands at around the £145 million mark, a figure that would force Liverpool to make another huge commitment.
Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk has now provided a more encouraging update for the Reds.
Liverpool ‘closer’ to Bradley Barcola deal with Bayern Munich out of the running
The German reporter says Liverpool have moved ‘closer’ to completing the transfer and that Barcola is excited by the prospect of moving to Anfield.
Falk also insists Bayern are firmly out of the running this summer.
The Bundesliga champions admire Barcola and could consider him in the future if Olise leaves, but they are not preparing to challenge Liverpool now.
That removes one powerful rival, although it does not solve the difficult negotiations with PSG.
Liverpool still need to find a fee the French champions will accept, but Barcola’s major enthusiasm gives them an advantage as talks enter a potentially decisive stage.
After missing out on several leading targets, the Reds finally appear to have a winger who wants them just as strongly as they want him.
