Liverpool are now said to be stepping up their efforts to land a world-class winger transfer, with Andoni Iraola keen to address his front line. The Reds have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far, only managing a couple of new additions, but while they are not expected to match last year's huge spending, some big deals will be done.
Iraola is to be backed in his first window as Liverpool boss, and squad changes are going to needed if the Reds are to quickly adjust to the Spaniard's attacking style of play. Crucially, Mo Salah must be properly replaced, with Iraola's system demanding a lot from wingers, and while summer signing Victor Muñoz will add depth and competition, Liverpool still need that world-class option to properly threaten opposing defences, and work is ongoing to land one.
Liverpool zero in on Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola warms up before Paris Saint-Germain matchREUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
PSG and France star Bradley Barcola has been a target of Liverpool's for much of the summer, and it now looks as thought the Reds are ready to step up their efforts.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported on X: "Liverpool have already opened talks with Bradley Barcola’s camp and Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola is now Liverpool’s top transfer target. The Reds are determined to sign him before Deadline Day. ##LFC The deal is complicated and will largely come down to the financial package."
There have been reports this summer of PSG demanding upwards of £140million to sign their talented and still young winger, which Liverpool are not going to be paying. That is likely why the deal is still a complicated one, but with Barcola refusing to sign a new contract and clearly wanting out to become a starter elsewhere, there is scope for that fee to come down.
Liverpool are relying on that price drop taking place,
Barcola a player with huge potential
Bradley Barcola (France)Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
While Barcola has been impressing for PSG, the exploits of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have masked his influence, at least when it comes to fans outside France. But worldwide fans were made aware of Barcola's potential at the World Cup, when he dazzled for France on their journey to the semi-finals, where they ultimately lost to Spain.The winger is still only 23 years of age, so there is plenty of development still to come, and the already two-time Champions League winger also has that top-level experience of being a winner."Bradley has unique qualities," PSG boss Luis Enrique said last season. "He is one of those players who can make the difference at any moment. He has enormous potential."
Now former France boss Didier Deschamps added this summer: "He has had a very good season. He has made a lot of progress. He has the ability to eliminate opponents one-on-one and create danger."
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