Danny Murphy argues that Bradley Barcola could serve as a “super signing” for Liverpool and that the club might actually benefit from not pursuing Yan Diomande.
Throughout June, Liverpool were linked with the RB Leipzig winger, with reports suggesting that personal terms had been agreed. However, the 19‑year‑old ultimately chose Paris Saint‑Germain, according to The Athletic.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the PSG forward has become Liverpool’s primary target; he is no longer seen as untouchable at the Parc des Princes, although the Champions League holders would demand more than £115 million for him.
Murphy: Barcola Would Be a “Super Signing”
Speaking exclusively on behalf of BetWright football betting, Murphy was asked whether Liverpool will ultimately sign Barcola this summer.
“I hope so because I think he’s a terrific player. I don’t believe they should have been paying the money they cited for Diomande. He’s a super talent, but that’s all he is: a prospect.”
“Paying over the odds for a player based on potential Hearth, I’m not sure paying over £100 million for a player whose body of work doesn’t justify that figure was the right approach. In that sense, it might be a blessing.”
“Barcola would be less expensive and presumably无需处罚, the signings PSG are making. We’ve seen in the Champions League for the past couple of seasons the impact he can have on games, so it’s a less risky signing.”
“The only caveat with Barcola is that he is more comfortable on the left than the right. He can play on the right on occasion, but a player who is more accustomed to and suited for the right wing would probably be a better option. Still, Barcola—why not?”
“It’s certainly intriguing to see what they’ll do because the squad needs some reshaping. There are questions around Liverpool at the moment, which is, when you think about winning the league and the money we’ve spent, an incredible conundrum that they’re in and shouldn’t be.”
“But in answer to the question, Barcola for me would be a super signing.”
How do Barcola and Diomande Compare?
While Murphy highlights the risk of Liverpool paying over the odds for Diomande—whose reported asking price rose to €130 million (approximately £110.8 million) after a stellar season at Leipzig—seems anticlimactic that the Reds’ pursuit of the winger ended in a dead त्यामुळे.
Previous reporting indicated that Barcola would be similarly expensive, if not more, than his Ivorian counterpart, with a more extensive body of work behind him.
Their goal tallies were identical last season, with Diomande edging him in terms of goals‑per‑minutes ratio. He also tops the overall career scoring ratio, although Barcola boasts a broader match record.
The figures below (from Squawka) compare the two wingers in their respective domestic leagues for key attacking metrics last season. The Ivorian performs slightly better in most categories, yet the differences are minimal.
Image via Squawka Football
With Diomande seemingly favouring PSG, it is vital Liverpool vent all their resources into a potential move for Barcola. Departing the summer window with neither player would be a painful outcome for the Reds.