Journalist: Liverpool have not ruled out a move for PSG star | OneFootball

Liverpool Alternatives Assessed as Bradley Barcola Remains in View

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande remains one of the defining threads of their summer transfer window, but Media Matters on Anfield Index also explored an important question, what happens if RB Leipzig refuse to sell?

In conversation with Dave Davis, Lewis Steele made clear that Liverpool’s interest in Diomande is strong, but he also addressed the names being discussed as potential alternatives, including PSG forward Bradley Barcola.

Diomande Still Looks Like Liverpool’s Preferred Target

The discussion began from the position that Liverpool are pushing hard for Diomande, despite RB Leipzig rejecting an opening offer.

Steele said: “I do think Liverpool are well in the driving seat.”

For Steele, the expectation remains that Diomande is the player Liverpool want most.

“I do think to me it all points to Diomande coming,” he said.

That belief framed the entire conversation. Other names may exist, but Steele repeatedly suggested Diomande remains the standout option.

Alternative Names Carry a Different Weight

Dave Davis referenced reporting around other possible Liverpool targets, saying: “Other options include Minteh at Brighton, El Mala at Koln, and Matias Fernandez Pardo at Lille.”

He then offered a blunt assessment of that group.

“These are all good individual players. Nothing wrong with them at all, but they’re not Diamande, are they?”

Steele agreed with the general point, noting that some of those names have been around for a while.

“The first two of those names especially have been floating around for quite a while,” he said.

He then made clear where he saw those players fitting within Liverpool’s wider thinking.

“When you’re thinking of two attackers, those would be fine as the second attacker I think,” Steele said.

That distinction matters. Liverpool may admire several attacking players, but the marquee role appears reserved for someone at a higher level.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcola Cannot Be Ruled Out

The most significant alternative discussed was Bradley Barcola. Davis noted that Barcola had “long been the one that’s reported that if it wasn’t Diomande, it could well be Barcola.”

Steele did not dismiss that possibility.

“I’ve not heard anything to suggest he’s been, you know, ruled out of the process or whatever,” he said.

That was the key line. While Diomande remains the leading name, Steele’s view was that Barcola still belongs in the conversation.

“I presume that he would be a viable alternative,” Steele added.

The PSG forward’s quality was also acknowledged, with Steele noting: “He scored a good goal for France the other night as well.”

Liverpool’s Attack Plan Still Hinges on Diomande

Even while keeping the door open on Barcola, Steele returned to the idea that Liverpool’s transfer direction points towards RB Leipzig’s winger.

“The other names are just sort of been thrown out there,” he said.

He suggested that those alternatives may also serve a tactical purpose in negotiations.

“To put Leipzig off the scent a little bit,” Steele added.

His conclusion was direct.

“I do think Diomande will be the man.”

For Liverpool, that leaves a clear hierarchy. Diomande remains the preferred target, Barcola remains a credible alternative, and the wider list of attackers may become relevant if the market shifts.

What came through strongly from Anfield Index was not confusion, but sequencing. Liverpool appear to have their main target. If RB Leipzig dig in, Bradley Barcola cannot be ruled out. Yet based on Steele’s information, the smart money still sits with Diomande.