Liverpool are keeping in touch with Bradley Barcola over a summer move to Anfield despite their push to sign Yan Diomande for over €100m.
The Reds have been trying to buy Diomande from RB Leipzig after installing him as their top attacking target of the summer, but have so far been knocked back by the German side.
Liverpool will bid again for the Ivorian, who has emerged ahead of Barcola as the one Richard Hughes really wants this summer.
How impressive has Yan Diomande been at the 2026 World Cup?!
But while many fans had assumed that the firming up of interest in Diomande meant a deal for Barcola was now off the table, journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Liverpool have not yet given up on the idea of signing them both.
Liverpool still in contact over Barcola transfer
If Liverpool cannot sign Diomande this summer, then Barcola should absolutely be next on their list.
Romano has regularly maintained that the Reds are very, very keen on the Frenchman, and speaking to Liverpool fan podcast Born ‘N Red, the transfer expert confirmed that interest remains despite the current efforts to get the Diomande deal finalised.
“This could depend on different opportunities, maybe on exits, so we should see what happens,” Romano said when asked why he continues to mention Barcola and Liverpool.
READ MORE: Liverpool told who would be the better Yan Diomande alternative – Bazoumana Toure or Said El Mala
“I’m not telling you it’s one or the other player, I’m telling you what I know, and what I know is that Liverpool are maintaining contacts for Diomande and for Barcola.
“It’s at completely different stages, because for Diomande they already sent an official bid, they are discussing with Leipzig, talking to the agents. With Barcola it’s an internal feeling I have.
“Internally at Liverpool they are discussing about Barcola every single week, it’s a player they appreciate, a player they wanted already in summer 2025, but it wasn’t possible. So, they love Barcola.
“I’m sure that if Paris Saint-Germain open doors to the exit of Barcola later this summer, Liverpool could be there,” he added.
Barcola vs Diomande! Which Liverpool transfer target are you most excited to watch at the World Cup?
Are there any other Reds targets you think will shine this summer?
“I think it’s not just an alternative, but it’s a name they keep mentioning at the club while they negotiate for Yan Diomande.”
This could simply be a case of Liverpool keeping their options open in case they can’t bring top target Diomande to Anfield. But even with the 19-year-old arriving they look slightly short in attacking areas, and the simultaneous arrival of Barcola would absolutely fix that.
For now, Diomande is the clear priority, but even if Liverpool do reach an agreement with Leipzig, it seems Barcola will remain a player to keep an eye on for the remainder of the summer.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
