A Bradley Barcola transfer has been “assessed” by Liverpool, according to a reliable Merseyside reporter, and Arne Slot has given three injury updates in his press conference.
Bradley Barcola “assessed” by Liverpool
With Mo Salah departing in the summer and Hugo Ekitike likely to miss the rest of 2026 as a minimum, Liverpool are in the market for attacking wingers this summer.
The most high profile link has been to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, whom the *Times*‘ Paul Joyce has now said “is among a number of wide players that have been assessed.”
Last summer, Leipzig offered £20 million for Harvey Elliott, a meagre sum for a player of his quality, so Liverpool declined.
However, Joyce has now added that “should talks on Diomande formally progress in the future, it would be no surprise if Elliott was mentioned as a means of bringing down the Ivorian’s £85m price tag.”
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola (L) and Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg game between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In addition, the Merseyside journalist said “the list is likely to include Paris Saint-Germain’s Barcola also.”
The mention of Barcola is interesting as he is someone whose links to the Reds have died down of late.
Last summer, the Frenchman was “offered” to Liverpool, according to the *Mail*‘s Lewis Steele, but the club had already spent a big sum in the window in other areas.
Liverpool also briefed that they didn’t want to block Rio Ngumoha‘s pathway, which Barcola may have done as a fellow right-footed left winger.
Joyce mentioning him now, though, is a hint that the Reds’ interest could resurface as they look to bolster their attack this summer.
Arne Slot’s Press Conference: Salah, Alisson & Kerkez fitness
• Slot revealed in his press conference that Alisson is yet to train this week but “he’s very close” to a return, though they “don’t want to take any risk”
• Milos Kerkez returned to training on Friday after Slot admitted the left-back suffered “some niggles” earlier in the week
• The head coach confirmed Salah won’t be available against Man United but does think he will be able to play before the end of the season, saying: “Usually he’s earlier fit than other players after a minor injury”
• Following reports that Liverpool could move for Feyenoord assistant Etienne Reijnen, Slot commented that Liverpool “always look around to see where we can strengthen the club”
More from This Is Anfield
If you have ever been on the Kop, you will have likely taken part in the Anfield tradition of clapping the opposition goalkeeper as they walk to their net, usually at the beginning of the second half.
Joanna Durkan writes about the custom and looks back at how it started:
“Irrespective of the name on the back of the shirt, the Kop will clap and show their respect to not only the Reds ‘keeper, but also the opponents’, with jeers in return if they do not recognise the gesture.
“It is a unique custom at Anfield and one that has stood the test of time, with it passed on from one generation to the next. Its origins, though, are not entirely clear.”
In Other Football News…
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 1, 2022: Brighton & Hove Albion's manager Roberto De Zerbi during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Roberto de Zerbi has urged Tottenham to “silence the voice inside of us” as they fight relegation – they’re two points from safety with four games left
• Eddie Howe has insisted that the commitment of Newcastle‘s Saudi Arabian owners remains “unchanged” after meeting for talks in the north east
• England Women captain Leah Williamson, who is 29 years old, has signed a new two-year contract at Arsenal (BBC Sport)
Liverpool FC: On this day
Liverpool captain Ron Yeats (top) holds onto the FA Cup as he is hoisted aloft by his jubilant teammates after their 2-1 win: (l-r) Geoff Strong, Yeats, Wilf Stevenson, Peter Thompson, Ian St John, Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan - PA Photos/PA Archive/PA Images
Having lost the final in 1914 and 1950, Liverpool finally got their hands on the FA Cup for the first time on May 1, 1965.
As one of the most momentous days in the club’s history, this was arguably Bill Shankly‘s crowning glory as Reds boss.
Against a great Leeds team, left-back Gerry Byrne played most of the match with a broken collarbone as the game went to extra time following a goalless 90 minutes.
Roger Hunt, who would also win the World Cup at Wembley a year later, scored the opener in extra time, but Billy Bremner equalised.
Only five minutes were left when striker Ian St John headed home the winner to make himself a Liverpool legend.