Liverpool believe Lyon forward Bradley Barcola could be a potential successor to Mohamed Salah.
2022/23 was a breakout year for Barcola. The 20-year-old scored five goals and laid on eight assists in 26 Ligue 1 matches. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has already reported that his form has attracted interest from Liverpool, and Football Transfers have today re-iterated that claim.
They report that the Reds are ‘monitoring’ Barcola as a possible long-term replacement for Salah.
It doesn’t appear that a move is especially imminent, though. Although it’s claimed that Liverpool could push for France U21 star this summer, it’s reportedly ‘not clear’ whether that is the case.
It’s suggested that Liverpool may instead see Barcola as more of a target for future windows.
Liverpool look to Barcola
Barcola certainly looks like being one to watch for Liverpool. Still only 20, the winger could perhaps be something special.
With Lyon in some financial difficulties, it had looked as though the likes of Barcola may be up for sale this summer. There has been no concrete moves to that effect yet, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Reds in the mix if that happens.
Given his age, relative inexperience and Lyon’s need to sell, the Frenchman could be available at a good price. As Liverpool prioritise other areas, that will obviously be attractive.
In terms of a Salah replacement though, that’s a big weight to put on his young shoulders. But someone’s going to have to do it at some point. Could that be Barcola?
Well, for a start, the young man is predominantly right-footed. Jurgen Klopp loves Salah to cut inside onto his left-foot and to stick a right-footer out there would shift the dynamic of the team.
Having said that, Barcola does appear to have a decent left foot and has experience of playing on both wings for Lyon. That kind of versatility is something Klopp tends to look for in players and you’d imagine he can be sculpted to fill the ‘Salah role.’
