Liverpool are in the transfer market to strengthen their attack this summer, and a new target has emerged on their shortlist.
The Reds have already brought in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, completing a deal before he won the World Cup with Spain, while young defender Jeremy Jacquet has also joined after signing back in January. But new manager Andoni Iraola is keen to add more firepower to his side, having lost star forward Mohamed Salah.
Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola is the top target, with an opening bid worth around €150m (£128m) being prepared and the player's green light already received. But he may not be the only forward the club want to bring to Anfield in this summer window.
Liverpool In Race to Sign Fernandez-Pardo
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
According to L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, Liverpool are in the race to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo this summer.
The Belgian, who has been recorded as one of Europe's fastest players, has been linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 club this summer, and it has now emerged that he has formally asked to be allowed to explore his options in the transfer market.
Liverpool are named as one of the club's in the race for his signature, alongside Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Premier League champions Arsenal. However, Lille president Olivier Letang has made it clear that he has no intention of letting the player leave this summer.
The 21-year-old has changed agents, the third time in two years, and Letang has made it clear that he has no interest in letting Fernandez-Pardo leave despite his request, as the club are counting on him as one of their striker options for the upcoming campaign.
"The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue," he said. "We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him."
"He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left. It's the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent."
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Liverpool Need Reinforcements
Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League gameREUTERS/Peter Powell
Liverpool are only a few weeks away from entering the Premier League season with a razor-thin squad, and Iraola needs the backing of his club board to ensure that doesn't happen.
Current first-team winger options are Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa, alongside new signing Munoz, and shows that they are in desperate need of more additions. Any move for Fernandez-Pardo and Barcola is clearly going to be difficult to get over the line, but it's not impossible.
Fernandez-Pardo is ready to make the switch away from Lille, so it comes down to finding an agreement. Liverpool have the money to find one, and they've never been afraid to spend when needed, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Andoni Iraola looks on during a Bournemouth match in the Premier League Related
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