Liverpool are exploring a four-man shortlist of winger alternatives after Paris Saint-Germain placed a steep £145m price tag on Bradley Barcola.
According to talkSPORT, the Reds have identified FC Köln’s Said El Mala, Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, and Bournemouth’s Rayan as potential options.
Manager Andoni Iraola has made a positive start at Anfield following his appointment from Bournemouth, with Liverpool winning both of their preseason fixtures against Sunderland and Wrexham.
Younger attacking players have caught the eye during preseason, with Rio Ngumoha, Kieran Morrison, and Lewis Koumas all getting on the scoresheet in those games.
Despite the encouraging signs, Liverpool remain short of experienced options in attack following Mohamed Salah’s departure from the club this summer.
Iraola has been open about the squad’s needs, saying, “We have signed two players already, but we need more players.”
Liverpool have been heavily linked with PSG’s Barcola, with talkSPORT reporting the club are preparing to submit a formal £85m offer, including add-ons, to the French champions.
PSG, however, are holding firm on their £145m valuation, citing the record-breaking transfers of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea as justification for the asking price.
With such a significant gap between offer and valuation, Liverpool have moved to identify alternative targets who offer similar pace and versatility out wide.
El Mala of FC Köln and five-cap Belgian international Matias Fernandez-Pardo have both been added to the Reds’ shortlist as credible options, according to the report.
Brighton’s Gambian winger Minteh has also been included, though talkSPORT notes that formal talks between the clubs have not yet been initiated.
Brazilian international Rayan is described as Liverpool’s dream target, but his £85m release clause cannot be triggered until 2027, complicating any potential move this window.
Barcola remains the standout name on Liverpool’s radar, having contributed 20 goal contributions during PSG’s recent period of dominance that included three successive Ligue 1 titles and back-to-back UEFA Champions League triumphs.
He further underlined his quality on the international stage, netting three goals and adding one assist for France under Didier Deschamps at the World Cup.
Whether Liverpool match PSG’s £145m demand, negotiate a reduced fee, or pivot entirely to one of their alternative targets remains to be seen as the transfer window progresses.