Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande appears to have reached a disappointing conclusion, with the RB Leipzig winger likelier to join PSG.
Despite making an ambitious offer for the RB Leipzig sensation, Yan Diomande has reportedly decided that Paris Saint-Germain is the ideal destination should he leave Germany this summer. The Ligue 1 champions have convinced the teenager with their long-term sporting project and their ability to consistently compete for the biggest honours in Europe. It leaves Liverpool searching for alternatives once again.
The Reds have spent the past few years identifying elite young attacking talent capable of developing into world-class performers rather than simply buying established superstars. With Mohamed Salah no longer at Anfield, replacing his goals, creativity and ability to stretch defences remains one of the club’s biggest priorities.
Fortunately for Liverpool, the market still offers several outstanding options. Bradley Barcola, Said El Mala and Matias Fernandez-Pardo are all highly regarded across Europe and each offers something different. While none are identical to Diomande, all possess the attributes to flourish under Liverpool’s aggressive, high-intensity style.
Bradley Barcola
Of the three alternatives, Bradley Barcola is undoubtedly the biggest name. The PSG winger has developed into one of Europe’s finest young attackers over the past two seasons. Blessed with explosive acceleration, outstanding dribbling ability and intelligent movement, the France international has become one of Ligue 1’s most dangerous wide forwards. He registered 20 goal contributions last term.
Although naturally most comfortable operating from the left flank, Barcola is capable of playing anywhere across the front three. His willingness to attack defenders 1v1 makes him a nightmare in transition, while his improving finishing has transformed him from an exciting prospect into a genuine match-winner.
The French winger’s development at PSG has been remarkable. After initially arriving from Lyon as a talented youngster, Barcola has matured into a player capable of deciding UEFA Champions League matches. His decision-making in the final third has improved dramatically, while his off-ball movement now consistently creates space for teammates.
Ironically, Diomande’s arrival at PSG could actually improve Liverpool’s chances of signing Barcola. The French club already possess extraordinary attacking depth, and adding another elite winger would inevitably increase competition for places. Recent reports have suggested that Barcola could become available if PSG complete the Diomande deal.
For Liverpool, the tactical fit is obvious. He would immediately inject pace into the frontline while also providing a player capable of carrying the ball over long distances, something Liverpool have occasionally lacked against deep defensive blocks. Barcola thrives in quick transitions but is equally comfortable against organised defences thanks to his technical quality.
Unlike many young wingers, he also works tirelessly off the ball. His pressing intensity and willingness to track runners would make it relatively straightforward to adapt to Liverpool’s demanding system.
At just 23 years old, Barcola also brings valuable experience. He has already played in high-pressure domestic title races, Champions League knockout football and international tournaments with France.
He may not come cheap, but Liverpool would be buying a player who could become one of the Premier League’s elite attackers for the next decade. However, they will face stiff competition from Arsenal and Barcelona for the Frenchman’s signature.
Said El Mala
If Barcola represents the proven option, Said El Mala offers perhaps the greatest long-term upside. The FC Koln youngster has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year and is increasingly viewed as one of German football’s brightest attacking prospects.
Reports linking Liverpool with the winger have intensified following the Diomande setback, underlining how highly the club rates his potential. El Mala is a very modern, wide forward.
Comfortable on either wing, he possesses excellent close control, outstanding agility and the confidence to attack defenders repeatedly throughout ninety minutes. Unlike traditional wingers who simply hug the touchline, El Mala frequently drifts into central areas to combine with teammates before bursting into dangerous attacking positions. His composure in possession stands out.
Despite his young age, the 19-year-old rarely forces difficult passes and consistently makes intelligent decisions in the final third. Coaches have praised his tactical understanding as much as his technical quality, suggesting there is considerable room for further development.
Liverpool’s recruitment department has increasingly prioritised players who can develop within the club’s coaching environment rather than those arriving as finished products. El Mala fits that profile perfectly. He registered 18 goal contributions last term.
His physical tools are already impressive, but the tactical side of his game could improve significantly under elite coaching. Liverpool have consistently shown they can transform promising attackers into complete forwards, and El Mala could be another success story.
His pressing numbers and defensive work rate also align with Liverpool’s philosophy. Rather than waiting for possession to arrive, he actively hunts the ball, closes passing lanes, and forces mistakes high up the pitch. Those qualities are often difficult to teach.
While he may initially require patience as he adapts to Premier League football, the long-term rewards could be enormous. However, several other clubs are pursuing the German attacking prospect’s signature.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Perhaps the most intriguing option is Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Still only 21, the Belgian attacker has quietly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting emerging forwards after making an impressive transition from Belgian football. Fernandez-Pardo differs slightly from both Bradley Barcola and Said El Mala.
Rather than relying purely on explosive pace, he combines intelligent movement with excellent technical ability and impressive positional versatility. He can operate on either wing, behind the striker or even through the middle when required. He registered 15 goal contributions last term. That flexibility is becoming increasingly valuable in modern football.
Liverpool’s attacking players are expected to interchange constantly throughout matches, making positional intelligence almost as important as raw pace. Fernandez-Pardo excels in exactly those situations.
The youngster’s understanding of space allows him to repeatedly appear in dangerous areas, while his finishing has continued to improve since arriving in France. His performances for Lille have demonstrated an ability to contribute both goals and assists without dominating possession. He also possesses excellent link-up play.
Rather than simply waiting for opportunities inside the penalty area, Fernandez-Pardo frequently drops deeper to connect midfield with attack before accelerating into advanced positions. That ability could prove particularly useful against teams that defend with low blocks. Perhaps his biggest strength is adaptability.
He appears equally comfortable playing in possession-based systems or direct transitional football, making him an attractive option for clubs competing across multiple competitions. Liverpool would also appreciate his intelligence without the ball.
His pressing angles are excellent; he tracks runners consistently and understands when to press aggressively and when to remain compact within the team’s defensive shape. At Lille, he has already demonstrated he can thrive in one of Europe’s stronger leagues while continuing to develop physically and tactically. He may not yet possess Barcola’s star power, but his ceiling remains exceptionally high.
Which option makes the most sense?
Each of the three players would strengthen Liverpool in different ways.
Bradley Barcola is the premium signing. He has already established himself among Europe’s elite young attackers and could walk straight into Liverpool’s starting eleven. His experience, pace and proven ability at the highest level make him the safest investment despite the likely transfer fee.
Said El Mala represents the developmental project. His potential is enormous, and Liverpool’s coaching staff would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to shape his game over the coming years. He may not deliver immediate double-digit goals, but his long-term upside is exceptional.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo sits somewhere between the two. He already has significant top-level experience while still possessing considerable room for growth. His versatility would also give Liverpool valuable tactical flexibility throughout a long season. Ultimately, Liverpool may not need to choose only one profile.
If finances allow, adding both an established winger like Barcola and a younger developmental talent such as El Mala or Fernandez-Pardo would future-proof the attack while maintaining immediate competitiveness. Missing out on Diomande undoubtedly represents a disappointment.
However, Liverpool has repeatedly demonstrated that elite recruitment is about identifying the right profile rather than fixating on a single target. History shows that some of the club’s greatest signings arrived only after alternative deals collapsed.
Barcola, El Mala, and Fernandez-Pardo each possess the technical quality, athleticism and tactical intelligence required to succeed at Anfield. Whether Liverpool decide to pursue proven excellence, elite potential or positional versatility, the alternatives remain strong enough to ensure that missing out on Diomande does not derail their long-term plans.
