Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has taken another intriguing turn after RB Leipzig proposed a compromise deal involving Yan Diomande that could significantly affect Paris Saint-Germain’s plans for the coming season.
PSG remain confident of signing highly rated Ivory Coast winger Diomande, who has reportedly made it clear that Paris is his preferred destination after turning down Liverpool’s advances. However, Leipzig have suggested a different arrangement, asking the French champions to loan the teenager back to Germany for the entire 2026/27 campaign to continue his development.
The proposal is now under discussion between the two clubs.
While PSG would ideally like Diomande to join Luis Enrique’s squad immediately, reports suggest they could be persuaded to accept a temporary loan if the player believes another season in the Bundesliga would be the best step in his development.
That decision could have major consequences for Barcola.
The France international has yet to commit his long-term future to PSG after reportedly pausing talks over a contract extension. Sources indicate the 23-year-old remains concerned about his role in a squad already boasting Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, with Maghnes Akliouche also expected to increase competition for attacking places.
If Diomande spends another season at Leipzig, PSG would reportedly be more inclined to retain Barcola rather than sanction his departure this summer. However, TEAMtalk reports that the winger’s own position has not changed, with the player still believing the time is right to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Liverpool continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Premier League champions have maintained contact with Barcola’s representatives and are understood to view the French international as the ideal long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool remain at the front of the queue for the winger despite interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal also remain interested in Barcola as Mikel Arteta continues to strengthen his attacking options, although the Gunners are simultaneously pursuing Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers. Chelsea are also keeping tabs on developments but have yet to make a decisive move.
For PSG, the Diomande negotiations have created an unexpected dilemma.
The French champions hope the uncertainty surrounding the teenager’s arrival could help persuade Barcola to remain in Paris, but reports suggest the player remains focused on securing regular first-team football elsewhere.
With Liverpool continuing to push for a deal and Barcola reportedly eager for a new challenge, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether PSG keep one of their brightest attacking talents or allow him to begin the next chapter of his career.
