{"id":254235,"date":"2026-07-22T19:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/22\/he-outclasses-barcola-why-liverpool-want-to-sign-101m-superstar\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T19:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:45:14","slug":"he-outclasses-barcola-why-liverpool-want-to-sign-101m-superstar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/22\/he-outclasses-barcola-why-liverpool-want-to-sign-101m-superstar\/","title":{"rendered":"He outclasses Barcola: Why Liverpool want to sign \u00a3101m superstar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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After Mohamed Salah\u2019s departure from Liverpool<\/a> at the end of last season, it\u2019s been no secret that FSG are on the hunt to add needed depth and quality into the forward line.<\/p>\n

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Victor Munoz has already arrived at Anfield, but Andoni Iraola<\/a> will no doubt be expecting added reinforcements to help him secure Premier League<\/a> success next term.<\/p>\n

Bradley Barcola has been constantly mentioned as one transfer target for the Reds, but PSG are said to be demanding over \u00a3100m to offload the French international.<\/p>\n

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However, that hasn\u2019t deterred the Reds from stepping up their efforts, and reports have even claimed an \u00a385m offer<\/a> could be made for the 23-year-old in the days ahead.<\/p>\n

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\n What Iraola has said about Liverpool’s hunt for a new winger<\/strong>
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After joining Liverpool following his departure from Bournemouth this summer, Iraola will no doubt have huge expectations on him to succeed on Merseyside in 2026\/27 and beyond.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard no doubt will be working with a higher calibre of player at Anfield, but that\u2019s not to say he craves added reinforcements to bolster his senior ranks.<\/p>\n

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After travelling to the United States for the club\u2019s pre-season tour, the 44-year-old met with the media and answered questions about his expectations for the upcoming campaign.<\/p>\n

Iraola also acknowledged the ongoing hunt for new additions this summer – most specifically a winger – and stated: \u201cIt’s difficult to say a number when the market is open.<\/p>\n

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Andoni Iraola’s Premier League record<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Statistics<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Games managed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

114<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Wins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Draws<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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38<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Losses<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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35<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Goals scored<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

170<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Goals conceded<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

167<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Points won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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161<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Points per game<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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1.41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

\u201cYou always have to be open to new options to improve the squad. We definitely need to sign a winger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whilst he didn\u2019t mention Barcola specifically in his press conference, it\u2019s no secret that the Reds have been constantly monitoring the French star over a prolonged period.<\/p>\n

However, despite seemingly being the club\u2019s number one target in wide areas, other options are still being explored and could be pursued in the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n

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\n Liverpool’s dream Barcola alternative<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Liverpool have previously demonstrated their ability to splash the cash in the transfer market, after forking out over \u00a3450m on new additions less than 12 months ago.<\/p>\n

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However, key areas of the squad are still in desperate need of improvement – as seen by the latest recruitment drive to bolster attacking areas of the pitch.<\/p>\n

Countless players have been mentioned with a move to Anfield since Iraola\u2019s appointment, but none quite as frequently as RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that the Reds have once again reached out to the player\u2019s representatives over the possibility of a switch to Merseyside, holding fresh talks as they try to drive a move forward.<\/p>\n

The report also states that the Ivorian still prefers a move to PSG this summer, but it hasn\u2019t deterred Iraola\u2019s attempt to secure a move for the 19-year-old winger.<\/p>\n

The Bundesliga side are still demanding a small fortune to offload the attacking star this summer, having placed a \u00a3101m price tag<\/a> above his head.<\/p>\n

Despite the mammoth price tag, Diomande could prove to be a cheaper addition than Barcola – but also a higher quality signing in Liverpool\u2019s hunt for success.<\/p>\n

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When comparing the pair\u2019s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Leipzig star managed to better the Frenchman in countless key areas for an attacker.<\/p>\n

Diomande ended the 2025\/26 campaign with 20 combined goals and assists – a tally which Barcola could not match, as he only registered 12 goal contributions in Ligue 1.<\/p>\n

The Ivorian also managed to complete a staggering 4.3 successful dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga – subsequently registering over times more efforts than the PSG star.<\/p>\n

Such a figure also placed the teenage sensation at the top of all forwards across Europe\u2019s top-five leagues – backing up Bence Bocsak\u2019s comment that he\u2019s a \u201cgenerational talent<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diomande\u2019s tally of 0.6 big chances created highlights his ability to create endless key opportunities for those around him, something which Barcola simply doesn\u2019t possess.<\/p>\n

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Alongside his impressive goalscoring tally, the Leipzig star also achieved a better conversion rate – undoubtedly making him a clinical option for Iraola\u2019s men.<\/p>\n

The player\u2019s desire to join PSG this summer is no doubt a stumbling block to negotiations, but you simply can\u2019t fault the hierarchy\u2019s efforts to land such an impressive talent.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no denying Barcola would be a superb addition for the Reds, but Diomande is a player who is a level above and would hand the side a greater chance of achieving success in 2026\/27.<\/p>\n