Man City to rival Liverpool for ‘colossal’ player as Mahrez replacement

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Manchester City are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool for French youngster Bradley Barcola, who Pep Guardiola wants to replace Riyad Mahrez.

According to 90min, the Olympique Lyonnais talent is now on City’s radar as the reigning Premier League champions begin looking for options to replace Mahrez, who is set to make a move to Saudi Arabia next week.

At 20-years-old, Barcola has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in France, with Football Transfers claiming that Liverpool are keeping tabs on the winger as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Lauded by Football Talent Scout as a player with a ‘colossal stride’, Barcola only made his Lyon debut in January of this year, yet that hasn’t stopped Liverpool and now City from registering an interest in the young forward.

With PSG and RB Leipzig also interested in the Lyon wonderkid, Liverpool face quite the task now of signing Barcola with City now in the picture, though the Reds could have an advantage in this transfer race.

Indeed, Barcola could be a good squad option for Jurgen Klopp’s side as well as the dream understudy for Salah. And regular football could be guaranteed in the form of next season’s UEFA Europa League.

Liverpool could beat Manchester City to Barcola

Barcola is clearly a man in demand after a breakout year at Lyon. And whilst City’s interest would be a death sentence for many, Liverpool can be confident in themselves to beat their Premier League rivals to the winger.

As we know, Barcola would be a regular for Liverpool if the decision was made to move to Anfield, with the winger the ideal player to rotate for Salah and to also learn under the Egyptian international.

Moreover, Barcola’s development could be best-served on Merseyside, with City unlikely to give the French talent much playing time even with Mahrez now on the verge of leaving the Etihad Stadium for Saudi Arabia.