Journalist: Liverpool have already decided their next transfer target if Yan Diomande move fails | OneFootball

Liverpool Interest in Bradley Barcola Depends on Yan Diomande and PSG

Liverpool’s search for a winger this summer was one of the clearest transfer themes discussed by Dave Davis and David Lynch on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast. While Yan Diomande was presented as the priority target, the conversation also opened up a plausible route towards PSG forward Bradley Barcola, depending on how the market develops.

The key point came when Davis put the shape of Liverpool’s winger list to Lynch. “It kind of feels like Diamande one, Barcola two at the moment,” he said. Lynch’s response was simple, “Yeah, definitely.”

Bradley Barcola could become available

The link between Yan Diomande, PSG and Bradley Barcola is central to this discussion. Lynch explained that PSG’s pursuit of Diomande could make Barcola a realistic option for Liverpool. His reasoning was clear, “the fact that PSG are in for Diamande kind of makes it all make sense really because if they get him then Barcola is available.”

That was the most important line in the conversation on Barcola. It placed Liverpool’s interest in the PSG forward within a wider transfer chain. If Diomande chooses PSG, then Barcola may become more attainable. If PSG do not land Diomande, the picture is less clear.

Lynch did not present this as a completed deal or anything close to it. Instead, he described Barcola as a player Liverpool have monitored. “He’s a player Liverpool have watched a lot and and and like for a while,” Lynch said.

Liverpool still need a right sided solution

The conversation also made clear why Liverpool’s interest in Barcola comes with a qualification. Lynch’s concern was not about talent, but about role.

“My worry with Barcola is that, you know, he does kind of prefer that left hand side,” he said. “Not a lot of data on him playing on the right.”

That matters because Liverpool’s need, as discussed by Davis and Lynch, is for someone who can address the wide attacking issue, particularly on the right. Lynch added, “Liverpool definitely needs someone who’s capable of playing there.”

This is why Diomande appears to sit above Barcola in the conversation. Lynch had earlier described Diomande as “the number one winger target” and “the one who’s most concretely linked.” Barcola, by contrast, was framed as an option who becomes more relevant if PSG successfully move for Diomande.

Photo: IMAGO

Diomande decision may shape Liverpool plan

Davis summed up the list as “Diamande one, Barcola two,” and Lynch agreed. That gives the situation its logic. Liverpool like Barcola, have watched him, and could see him become available, but the trigger may be PSG’s success in signing Yan Diomande.

The wider issue is Liverpool’s need to strengthen out wide. Lynch said of Diomande, “if they can get him over the line, then then that would be a good signing.” Yet if they cannot, and PSG take that route instead, Barcola may come into sharper focus.