Since the World Cup started, there are not many Ivory Coast fans watching from Anfield.
Liverpool fans have set their sights on Yan Diomande as rumors swirl about the Reds’ big-money pursuit. He, in their minds, was going to be the next big star on Merseyside.
The problem is that it wasn’t just Liverpool who were watching, however, and the presence of Paris Saint-Germain will prove decisive.
As confirmed by David Ornstein, the French giants have an opportunity and are in a good position to sign Diomande, who is also keen on the move – leaving Liverpool looking for other options.
Alas, that’s where Bradley Barcola comes in. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman is high on the Reds’ shortlist and one to watch in the coming months.
5
Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Barcola’s name threatens to hit the headlines as Ornstein has revealed that PSG are leading the race to sign Diomande. He has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time and Romano has now shared a new update on their possible move this summer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer expert contradicted the French sources and said that the situation is still open in the market.
“Don’t forget that Barcola is a player who was wanted by Liverpool in the summer of 2025 and remains on Liverpool’s list in the summer of 2026. And that is still my position. Barcola is still a name for Liverpool.
“Paris Saint-Germain is yet to give the green light to his exit this summer, but I have told you many times that there is movement around Bradley Barcola. I know in France, sources say he is not leaving PSG. My information is that the situation around Bradley Barcola is still open.”
Barcola, now 23 years old, has scored and assisted in the World Cup after a 13-goal season for PSG. For the right price, there’s no reason why he can’t be another excellent Diomande.
4
Matias Fernandez-Pardo (LOSC Lille)
The way to select young players at Anfield this summer is speed. That’s why Diomande was Liverpool’s top target and why reports have also talked about Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The LOSC Lille midfielder, with his pace, will become the fastest player in Premier League history and has the final product to match.
After scoring eight goals and assisting a further seven in all competitions last season, the 21-year-old is brimming with energy and is likely to cost significantly less than RB Leipzig’s asking price for Diomande this summer.
3
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
With impressive features some of the targets on Liverpool’s radar, who have no Premier League experience. Yabkuba Minteh doesn’t want to. He showed plenty of glimpses of his pure talent at Brighton & Hove Albion, coming onto Liverpool’s radar in the last 12 months.
The 21-year-old still needs to add end product to his game, but the subtle numbers suggest he’s a player waiting to explode in life.
|
Most successful PL takeovers (25/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Jeremie Doku (Man City) |
77 |
|
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) |
70 |
|
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) |
64 |
|
Jarrod Bown (West Ham) |
53 |
|
Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) |
51 |
Last season, only two players finished more games than Minteh in the Premier League and they were Iliman Nidaye and Jeremie Doku. Far from the final product, that is an important metric that Liverpool should focus on this summer.
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Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
If Liverpool are looking for a big name, then Francisco Conceicao would be an incredibly interesting option. He has recently endured a frustrating campaign at Juventus, but that shouldn’t deter the Reds entirely. After all, the Turin giants are having a season to forget as a collective.
The 23-year-old was in the top 95% of games completed in Italy last season and with better quality around him, that could have led to a better output than four goals and five assists.
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There is a lot of risk involved in signing Conceicao after such a disappointing campaign, but it wasn’t long ago that Liverpool pulled off another Serie A win.
1
Said El Mala (FC Koln)
If Liverpool are going to miss one Bundesliga star, they may be getting another. Reports claim that Said El Mala is on their list of other options this summer and it’s easy to see why. The 19-year-old recently enjoyed a great season at FC Koln.
Like Minteh, he is also not shy when it comes to ending decision making. Only eight players finished as many in the Bundesliga last season and El Mala had the final tally – scoring 13 goals and assisting a further five.
On paper, he is as impressive as Minteh one-on-one while producing more in front of goal. For the right price, El Mala could be Liverpool’s man.
