LIVERPOOL, July 1 Betandsured. Andoni Iraola’s summer rebuild at Liverpool has encountered significant complications, with Paris Saint Germain declaring Bradley Barcola not for sale and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande indicating his preference for a move to the French capital rather than Anfield .
The Reds, who slumped to fifth place last season, have already secured the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz as Iraola begins his tenure. However, plans to further reinforce the attack have hit obstacles on multiple fronts .
Diomande Expects Leipzig Exit
Nineteen year old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande has confirmed he expects to leave RB Leipzig this summer, but reports indicate he favours a move to PSG over Liverpool . The Bundesliga club value the teenager at approximately £112 million, with Liverpool having seen an £86.7 million bid rejected earlier this month .
“First of all, like I said, my dream is playing for my country and making history with my country,” Diomande said ahead of the Ivory Coast’s Round of 32 World Cup clash against Norway. “I don’t have Instagram anymore, I don’t have TikTok, so I can’t see anything but I expect to leave [RB Leipzig] of course. I have an agent who’s going to manage the rest, but for me the most important thing right now is focusing on the World Cup with my country and making history with them” .
PSG Stand Firm on Barcola
Liverpool’s alternative target, Bradley Barcola, presents an equally challenging pursuit. Despite the 23 year old’s reported frustration with his role under Luis Enrique and reluctance to sign a new contract, PSG have made their position unequivocal .
The Athletic reports that PSG consider Barcola “not for sale,” regardless of potential arrivals or the player’s hesitation to commit to fresh terms . The Ligue 1 and Champions League holders are understood to value the French international at more than £116 million, a figure that would surpass the fee Manchester City have agreed to pay Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson .
Barcola, who contributed 13 goals and seven assists last season, has two years remaining on his current deal at the Parc des Princes . While he is reportedly reluctant to extend, PSG’s financial position has been bolstered by the agreement to send Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan and the likely departures of Lee Kang in and Randal Kolo Muani .
Iraola’s Rebuild Continues
The complications surrounding Liverpool’s primary attacking targets come as the club prepares for life without Mohamed Salah, whose contract expired on July 1. The Egyptian departed Anfield with 257 goals in 440 appearances across nine trophy laden seasons.
For Iraola, the challenge now lies in identifying alternative reinforcements or convincing PSG to soften their stance. The club are understood to remain interested in several other options, though the French champions’ determination to retain Barcola suggests Liverpool may need to explore different avenues in their quest to return to title contention.
