Liverpool's interest in Bradley Barcola is justified - just not as Mo Salah's replacement

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Mohamed Salah is no longer a Liverpool player, and France star Bradley Barcola has been linked with a move to Anfield, but the winger may not be quite ready for full responsibility00:10, 01 Jul 2026Updated 00:16, 01 Jul 2026Bradley Barcola scored his second goal at the FIFA World Cup against Sweden(Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto)Bradley Barcola scored his second goal of the FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32 against Sweden, providing more excitement for Liverpool fans following the ongoing transfer rumors.After Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring just before halftime, Barcola fired France 2-0 ahead against Sweden shortly after the break. It was his second goal of the tournament after converting against Senegal, and he also assisted in a 4-1 win over Norway.Liverpool has been linked with Barcola for several months, although Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique is reportedly reluctant to sell.

However, fellow Liverpool target Yan Diomande has prioritized PSG, which could lead to Barcola's exit He, though, cannot be the only replacement for Mohamed Salah.France looks absolutely ruthless at the World Cup this summer, and of the four games I've watched live, it's by far the most complete performance I've seen. However, Bayern Munich has shut down any possibility of him leaving the club.Michael Olise has been linked with Liverpool but a move is seen as unlikely(Image: Getty Images)On the other wing is Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, and it's worth mentioning that he scored a first-half hat-trick in the group finale against Norway.

However, Liverpool has major shoes to fill this summer after Salah announced he would leave the club, and a new world-class threat is required.Although Barcola is only 23 and could become a future star, new head coach Andoni Iraola would certainly appreciate a ready-made player to start out wide. If PSG makes him available, then Liverpool should push to sign him, but he can't be tasked with replacing Salah alone.Barcola scored France's second goal, between a brace from Kylian Mbappe(Image: 2026 Europa Press)While his goal was a smart finish, and he also looked promising throughout the game, perhaps unfairly, it was Olise, Mbappe, and Dembele who shone brightly.