Liverpool's Summer Problem: Replace the Irreplaceable
There is no easy fix. Mohamed Salah leaves Liverpool this summer as their greatest-ever scorer, a player who delivered goals, assists and relentless intensity across nine seasons on Merseyside. Replacing him is the single most difficult task in world football right now — and the club know it. What they also know is that Paris Saint-Germain's attack, the one taking apart Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals, happens to contain three players who would each make Liverpool measurably better.
Bradley Barcola: The Priority Target
According to multiple reports including The Times, Bradley Barcola sits at the top of Liverpool's summer shortlist. The 23-year-old French winger joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 and developed into one of the most dangerous wide forwards in Europe — until the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025 slightly complicated his status at the club. That uncertainty has opened the door for interested parties.
Barcola's representatives are understood to have begun background work on potential landing spots, keeping their options open should PSG receive or listen to a serious offer. His pace, directness and left-footed delivery from wide areas would offer something different from Salah's inside-right threat. Liverpool believe they can structure a deal around £60-70 million.
Kvaratskhelia: The Dream Signing
If Barcola is the realistic target, Kvaratskhelia is the dream. The Georgian international has been sensational since arriving from Napoli, and his performances against Bayern Munich — two goals in the 5-4 first leg — underlined just how good he has become. Liverpool explored the possibility of signing him in March, only for PSG to shut down any conversation completely.
Whether that position shifts depends entirely on PSG's financial situation and Kvaratskhelia's own ambitions post-Champions League. He is 24, under contract until 2029, and has every reason to stay in Paris. Liverpool remain alert but realistic.
Desire Doue: The Wild Card
The third name on Liverpool's radar is Desire Doue, PSG's versatile 20-year-old who can operate across the front line. Doue arrived from Rennes last summer for €60 million and has shown flashes of the talent that made him one of France's most exciting prospects. He is slightly further down the list, but Liverpool's scouting team has been watching him closely.
One thing is clear: Slot wants attackers who can play at pace in transition. All three PSG forwards fit that profile. Whether Liverpool can actually land any of them — given PSG's reluctance to sell — is a very different question.
Transfer context: Bradley Barcola (PSG), 23, valued ~£70m | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG), 24, valued ~£100m+ | Desire Doue (PSG), 20, valued ~£60m | Summer window opens 1 July 2026 | Mohamed Salah departure confirmed June 2026
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