Dream Liverpool attack for 2026/27 as £125million man starts and Barcola replaces Salah

Andoni Iraola’s search for Mohamed Salah’s successor continues, but Liverpool may have just received a huge boost in their pursuit of top target Bradley Barcola. The Reds' right-wing position is yet to be filled with Liverpool's season-opener against Newcastle less than a month away.

The Reds boss had targeted RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande with Liverpool's offer of £85million swiftly rejected by the Bundesliga side. Attention then turned towards Barcola, 23, who had played second fiddle to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for parts of last season at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Frenchman has been an important player for the Champions League winners in the past two campaigns but has reportedly rejected a contract renewal with the Ligue 1 champions. In the midst of his uncertain future, news broke this week that Barcola had clinched a verbal agreement to join the Reds.

However, landing the highly sought-after Frenchman will carry a massive financial burden, with PSG setting his asking price at £140million. The Reds are reluctant to meet that figure, which would smash the club's transfer record, and are hoping to negotiate a compromise with the French champions.

L'Equipe has reported that the two clubs are currently in talks over a possible deal for Barcola. Predominantly a left-winger, Barcola is also adept on the right flank, with Liverpool not expected to pursue another wide player should they land the Frenchman.

The forward has featured on the right side 37 times throughout his career, chipping in with seven goals and 15 assists. That leaves the left-wing berth as a three-way contest between Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.

Gakpo may hold the edge over the two youngsters in terms of experience, but is considered less suited to Iraola's high-pressing system. A starting berth for Liverpool this coming season might arrive too early for the 17-year-old Ngumoha.

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stamford Bridge

The Frenchman has reportedly declined a new deal at PSG(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)

Given his exceptional talent, the Reds will be carefully monitoring his workload to avoid placing excessive physical demands on him. That could pave the way for Munoz - who arrived at the club in a £34m transfer last month - to establish himself as a regular for the Premier League outfit, following his World Cup success with Spain this summer.

Both players will be anticipated to carry some of the goalscoring burden, as befits the modern-day winger's role. Nevertheless, the bulk of that responsibility will rest with Alexander Isak. The Swede endured a disappointing maiden season with merely four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Victor Munoz of Spain presents the FIFA World Cup USA 2026 Winner's Trophy after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Victor Munoz has had a dream summer with Spain(Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto, Getty Images)

Fitness concerns and injuries disrupted his campaign, but after featuring - and finding the net - at the World Cup, the 26-year-old will be prepared to demonstrate the form that convinced the Reds to invest £125m in his signature last year.

It's a sharp contrast to the heavily interrupted summer Isak experienced this time last year. And he'll effectively be like a fresh signing for Iraola as a consequence.

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak will lead the line for Liverpool with Hugo Ekitike injured(Image: Getty Images)

Isak's quality of finishing and capacity to combine with his team-mates, particularly Florian Wirtz, provides the Reds with a distinctive presence up front and one that could establish them as a serious challenger for the biggest honours.

Liverpool's attacking options still raise plenty of unanswered questions at this stage. However, should Iraola succeed in assembling his ideal frontline at Anfield, the rest of the league will undoubtedly be put on notice.

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Fasika Zelealem

Fasika is a Senior Sports Reporter who joined Reach in 2022 as a news reporter before making the switch to the sports team in early 2023. He has a particular expertise and passion for football, tennis, MMA, basketball and Formula One.