Liverpool are expected to oversee another busy summer transfer window after a disappointing title-defending campaign.
The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League, only securing Champions League qualification by three points while tallying up 12 defeats over the course of the season.
Despite an incredible debut campaign at Anfield, Arne Slot found it difficult to build on Liverpool’s success and inspire his squad, which ultimately led to his sacking at the beginning of this month.
Liverpool quickly replaced the Dutchman with former AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and will be hoping that the Spaniard can bring renewed optimism and a more convincing brand of football to the red side of Merseyside next season.
What are Liverpool’s transfer plans?
Following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have some enormous boots to fill this summer.
Not only will the club need to replace some of their most successful players of the modern era, but they will also need to provide Iraola with the players required to execute his exciting, high-energy style of football.
A right winger is understandably high on Richard Hughes’ agenda as the club attempts to replace the outstanding and consistent contributions of the Egyptian star.
Liverpool have already completed the signing of Osasuna talent Victor Munoz, the 22-year-old left winger who is currently part of Spain’s World Cup squad.
An experienced centre-back would be a valuable addition, but strengthening the wide forward positions appears to be Liverpool’s biggest priority this summer.
Who are Liverpool linked with?
It is no secret that the Reds were interested in signing RB Leipzig ace Yan Diomande, with an £86.3m bid rejected last week.
However, new developments over the weekend have now confirmed that Diomande prefers a move to back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, which has been met with frustration from Liverpool fans who expected a deal to get over the line.
The Athletic reported on Sunday afternoon that the Ivory Coast ace believes a move to Paris would better suit his ambitions to win silverware and one day win the Ballon d’Or.
While it is a significant blow for Liverpool, Diomande’s move to PSG could trigger a domino effect that allows the Reds to secure a deal they have been monitoring for some time.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain keen on signing PSG winger Bradley Barcola:
“Bradley Barcola situation remains absolutely open as he’s high on Liverpool list, as reported for months.”
“If both Diomande/Akliouche join PSG, Barcola future could change in case of big proposal.”
“Liverpool keen since summer 2025.”
It has been reported that PSG have set a price tag of £112m to part ways with Barcola this summer.
Should Liverpool sign Bradley Barcola?
There is little doubt that Liverpool must replace a significant portion of Salah’s attacking output, making another wide forward a necessity this summer.
Despite a difficult season for the Egypt international, he still managed to score 12 goals, with only Hugo Ekitike (17) and Dominik Szoboszlai (13) registering more in all competitions.
Barcola enjoyed a far more successful campaign, having been part of an elite PSG squad that has dominated European football over the last 24 months.
Over 49 appearances last season, the 23-year-old – once hailed as a “top player” by Emmanuel Adebayor -scored 13 goals and registered seven assists, averaging a goal contribution every 148 minutes.
The only concern Liverpool may have is that Barcola is predominantly a left-sided winger, although he has experience playing on the right and scored two of his 13 goals from that flank.
Whether Iraola can get the very best out of him in that role remains to be seen should Liverpool formalise their interest this summer.
Equally, there is an opportunity for Barcola to become the first-choice option on the left if the Reds decide to move on from Cody Gakpo.
While Barcola may not be the natural successor to Salah on the right wing, his age, productivity and potential make him one of the most exciting attacking talents available this summer.
Whether Liverpool view him as a right-sided solution or a long-term replacement for Gakpo could ultimately determine whether they push ahead with a move.
