Liverpool sent shockwaves through the transfer market when they signed Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the same window, and there might be an opportunity to do it again this summer.
The two strikers cost just shy of £200m combined, with the Reds stunning Newcastle United by taking Isak after already securing Ekitike.
At the time, it felt almost impossible that Liverpool would sign both. Now, with Mohamed Salah leaving and two elite wide targets on the radar, Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande could give the club a chance to repeat the trick.
There would have to be a casualty, though.
Who would you rather see at Liverpool next season, Diomande or Barcola? 🤔
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The argument for Liverpool signing Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande
Barcola and Diomande are both high on Liverpool’s list as they look to strengthen out wide this summer.
Anthony Gordon is also admired, but the two continental options feel especially interesting because of how they could fit together.
Liverpool view Diomande as capable of playing on both sides, despite the fact all 13 of his RB Leipzig goals this season came from the right. That matters. He is being chased as a Salah successor, but the Ivorian is not just a touchline right-winger.
Barcola is a different profile, but he brings similar flexibility. Liverpool really appreciate Barcola, and he could become a serious option if PSG open the door to an exit.
The obvious answer is that Liverpool should pick one.
But that was also the logic with Isak and Ekitike last summer, and Liverpool ignored it.
Signing both Diomande and Barcola would likely mean spending close to £150m. That is a huge figure, especially when Liverpool also need help in midfield and defence.
Liverpool’s transfer budget was always expected to be influenced by Champions League football, so getting there matters. Even still, a sale or two would be needed.
Who has been the most disappointing Liverpool signing? 😬
The obvious candidate is Cody Gakpo. He signed a new Liverpool contract earlier this season, but Bayern Munich interest has not gone away, and his departure would immediately make this idea more feasible.
There is also the Rio Ngumoha question. Liverpool are wary of blocking his pathway, but if Gakpo goes, that concern eases. There would be enough minutes to go around.
A winger group of Barcola, Diomande and Ngumoha would have frightening upside. All three can play from either side, while Isak and Ekitike would give Liverpool two different central options. That sounds like one of the deepest, most devastating attacks in Europe.
It might sound unrealistic, but the same would have been said about Liverpool signing two No.9s last summer.
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