Liverpool Eyeing Bradley Barcola After Yan Diomande Blow as Lewis Steele Explains Next Move
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans have already taken a significant twist, and attention is now turning firmly towards Bradley Barcola after the club’s failed pursuit of Yan Diomande.
During a detailed discussion with Trev Downey on the latest Anfield Index podcast, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele explained why Liverpool’s focus could now switch towards the Paris Saint Germain winger, while also outlining why any deal remains far from straightforward.
With Liverpool needing to replace Mohamed Salah, Steele made it clear that Barcola is among the elite options available, even if landing him presents another sizeable challenge.
Bradley Barcola Becomes Liverpool’s Leading Alternative
Having discussed Liverpool’s disappointment over missing out on Yan Diomande, Trev Downey turned the conversation towards the club’s next move.
Steele believes Barcola is the obvious name attracting attention.
“I do think he probably will end up leaving PSG.”
However, he quickly highlighted that Liverpool are not operating without competition.
“He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal.”
Steele suggested there are several reasons why another Premier League destination could appeal.
“He’s probably looking at Arteta. He might want to live in the capital city of London.”
While Liverpool remain interested, Steele warned that circumstances have shifted compared to twelve months ago.
“Liverpool aren’t as glamorous an option as they may have been 12 months ago.”
Groundwork Exists, But Diomande Offers Warning
One of the strongest themes from the discussion was that previous interest does not guarantee success.
Steele pointed out that Liverpool have admired Barcola for some time.
“They liked him last summer so maybe there’s groundwork in place.”
Yet he immediately reminded listeners why nobody inside Anfield can take encouragement from that alone.
“There was groundwork in place on Diomande and that didn’t really lead us anywhere.”
That comparison neatly summed up Liverpool’s current position. Relationships may already exist, conversations may already have happened, but the transfer market has shown that none of it guarantees a positive outcome.
Competition Could Push Price Even Higher
Steele also explained why Liverpool may now face an even more expensive negotiation than the one involving Yan Diomande.
If Barcola continues to impress on the international stage, his valuation will only increase.
“France are probably my favourites to go on and win it.”
He added that success would inevitably strengthen Paris Saint Germain’s negotiating position.
“If they are to sell him they can ask for more money because he’s a World Cup winner who’s played a big role in that.”
Steele admitted Liverpool face a daunting task.
“It’s going to be very, very hard for Liverpool to get Barcola.”
That assessment reflected the wider transfer market, where elite attacking players are commanding extraordinary fees and selling clubs have little incentive to negotiate downwards.
Liverpool Must Avoid Another Disappointment
Trev Downey also questioned what happens if Liverpool invest significant time pursuing Barcola, only to miss out again after failing to sign Diomande.
Steele acknowledged the risk, particularly with Arsenal also being linked.
When discussing Liverpool’s overall position in the market, he noted:
“They’ve started badly.”
Earlier in the conversation he had already admitted:
“I don’t think there’s any sugar coating it. They’ve lost out on their main target.”
For Liverpool, Barcola represents an opportunity to respond positively after the disappointment surrounding Yan Diomande. Whether that opportunity becomes a successful transfer may depend on factors outside the club’s control, including the player’s own preference and PSG’s willingness to negotiate.
As Lewis Steele repeatedly stressed throughout his conversation with Trev Downey, Liverpool remain interested, but this is another transfer that looks anything but straightforward.
