Liverpool have begun behind-the-scenes planning to replace Mohamed Salah and are thought to be eyeing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
As first reported here in the Daily Briefing, sources have told me that there is a real possibility that Salah will leave Anfield and that the Reds could look to Barcola alongside other targets such as Antoine Semenyo as a potential replacement.
One problem, however, is that PSG currently want Barcola to stay and could even try to sign the 23-year-old to a new deal, as his current contract is set to end in 2028.
Is Bradley Barcola a realistic transfer target for Liverpool?
Even if PSG want Barcola to stay, sources believe this could be a realistic deal for Liverpool.
Barcola has yet to establish himself as an automatic starter at PSG due to intense competition within Luis Enrique’s squad and may be tempted to seek a move elsewhere.
While the Frenchman could play a key role if he joins LFC to replace Salah, sources also suggest other big names such as Manchester United could be candidates for him.
“Liverpool have already started working behind the scenes to replace Salah,” a well-placed person in the industry told me. “A player that they really like and have been watching closely for a while is Bradley Barcola.”
Other sources have suggested Barcora is “open” to considering his options, which could open up an opportunity for Liverpool.
What can Barcola bring to Liverpool?
Barcola has speed, skill and an eye for scoring from outside, and given his age, his best years are still ahead of him.
With a total of six goals and five assists in all competitions for club and country this season, it’s clear that Barcola is adding a consistent end product to his game as he matures and develops.
However, it will not be easy for anyone to replace a legendary figure like Salah, who played 420 games for Liverpool and scored a total of 250 goals.
Salah often scores over 30 goals a season for the Reds, so Barcola alone probably won’t be enough to replace that kind of ability, and the club will likely need more active players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirths in the attacking line.
