Liverpool clearly views Bradley Barcola as its primary attacking target, but PSG’s asking price — reportedly around £145 million — complicates any deal. Faced with that steep valuation, the club is exploring cheaper alternatives to strengthen the wings before the transfer window closes.
Why Liverpool are looking beyond Bradley Barcola
Andoni Iraola has publicly said the squad still needs a winger this summer despite the arrival of youngster Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna. Barcola remains the preferred option, but PSG’s reluctance to sell and the reported transfer fee make a move unlikely. As a result, Liverpool are prioritizing lower-valued targets to address their wing needs while balancing the rest of the squad.
Five Barcola alternatives — profiles and costs
Maghnes Akliouche
24-year-old Maghnes Akliouche has established himself in Ligue 1 with Monaco and earned a France call-up. A natural right winger with a strong left foot, he combines close control, directness and playmaking ability. Over the last two seasons he has produced 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions. His profile fits Anfield’s needs and his recruitment is estimated at around £43 million — significantly below Barcola’s price tag.
Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão brings a star-level profile that Akliouche doesn’t necessarily offer. The Portuguese international (49 caps) combines pace, dribbling and a consistent goal and assist return across multiple seasons. AC Milan have reportedly been told of his wish to leave after seven years, but Leão’s profile — an inverted left winger who is right-footed — would be a different type of signing for the Reds. Reported fees might be similar to Akliouche’s, but wage demands would likely be higher and there is a risk around form consistency.
Rayan
The 19-year-old Rayan impressed at Bournemouth and featured for Brazil at the last World Cup. In his first half-season in the Premier League he scored five goals and supplied two assists in 15 appearances. His contract reportedly includes a high release clause (around £130 million) that only becomes active in January 2027, but a summer negotiation is theoretically possible. He represents a young, left-footed winger who can also play on the right — a longer-term, higher-upside gamble that matches Iraola’s recruitment profile.
Said El Mala
Nineteen-year-old Said El Mala attracted a £42.7 million bid from Brentford earlier in the year, which his club rejected. Trained as a left winger but highly ambidextrous, he offers pace, one-on-one ability and strong crossing — the kind of wide threat Liverpool need. Given Brentford’s earlier offer, any approach would likely require a comparable valuation, but still well under PSG’s Barcola demands.
Overall assessment
With Barcola’s reported fee prohibitive, Liverpool are balancing immediate needs and budget discipline by prioritizing lower-cost, high-upside wingers. Each of the alternatives above presents a different risk/reward profile — from established Ligue 1 performers to young Premier League breakouts — giving the club several realistic paths to reinforce the flanks before the window shuts.
