Liverpool have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but that is set to change in the coming weeks as the Reds look to bolster their squad
Andoni Iraola of Liverpool calls a play from the sideline during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
Andoni Iraola has claimed some key players will return for Liverpool's next pre-season friendly(Image: (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
It's been a remarkably quiet summer at Liverpool, who have crept cautiously into the transfer market. While the remainder of the Premier League's 'Big Six' have collectively splashed out over $1.07 billion on fresh recruits, the Reds have predominantly held back.
Only two significant acquisitions have been finalised thus far. Striker Victor Munoz completed a $46.3 million switch from Osasuna, while Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes for $73 million following a deal that was struck back in February.
The limited business is surprising considering the appointment of new head coach Andoni Iraola, who will understandably wish to mould the squad to fit his tactical approach. Liverpool also confront the substantial task of filling the gap left by Mohamed Salah, whose exit has created a considerable hole in their forward line, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The club's measured strategy appears even more remarkable when set against last summer, when they invested an eye-watering $599 million and shattered the British transfer record on two occasions. Nevertheless, with the new season now rapidly approaching, their hesitancy in the transfer market isn't anticipated to continue much longer.
With that in mind, here are four potential Liverpool transfers that could be sanctioned this month.
Bradley Barcola - $161 million
PSG forward Bradley Barcola has become Liverpool's primary attacking target following a decline in their pursuit of Yan Diomande - who appears destined for Real Madrid. The 23 year old has established himself amongst Europe's most thrilling attacking talents, registering an impressive 34 goals and 28 assists over the past two seasons in France.
Despite those statistics, Barcola encounters intense competition for a starting berth at PSG, with Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué all vying for positions in the front three. The Ligue 1 club are also on the verge of securing Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, further intensifying the battle for a place in the first XI.
Consequently, Barcola is receptive to transferring to a club where he can assume a more central role and according to French publication Le10Sport, he is "thrilled" at the prospect of joining Liverpool and is "excited" by Iraola's project. However, extracting him from PSG's clutches will prove challenging.
The ECHO revealed last week that discussions between the two clubs regarding a potential deal for Barcola are set to commence, with the Ligue 1 giants believed to value the forward at approximately $188 million. Liverpool is aiming to conclude a deal around the $134 million figure, though a settlement in the region of $161 million could ultimately prove sufficient to complete the transfer.
Liverpool would ideally require a natural right winger to fill Salah's boots, and Barcola's favoured position is on the opposite flank. That said, the Frenchman's adaptability means he is more than capable of performing on either side. Crucially, he is arguably the only wide player currently available in the market who possesses the blend of goals, assists and attacking output required to come anywhere near replicating the figures Salah consistently delivered season after season.
Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola continues to be Liverpool's top target this summer(Image: Sarah Stier - FIFA via Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa - $80.5 million
Bolstering the centre-back position has emerged as a pressing priority for Liverpool following Ibrahima Konaté's exit upon the expiry of his contract in June. The addition of Jeremy Jacquet has provided additional cover, yet at just 21 and with no Premier League experience to his name, the Frenchman cannot realistically be expected to shoulder that burden straight away.
What Liverpool require is a defender capable of making an immediate impression — someone with an established Premier League track record, leadership qualities and dependability. Ezri Konsa fits that description to a tee.
The Aston Villa stalwart, who played a prominent role for England at the World Cup, has quietly cemented his status as one of the division's most reliable centre-backs.
Comfortable operating within a high defensive line, assured in one-on-one situations and consistently composed in possession, Konsa is entering the prime years of his career. His versatility presents an additional bonus, with the 28 year old equally adept at covering at right-back — a position Liverpool are still seeking to fully resolve following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure last summer.
Reports indicate Liverpool could challenge Villa's stance with an offer of approximately $80.5 million, with suggestions the player might be 'open' to departing Villa Park. It would require a substantial bid to persuade the Midlands outfit to part with one of their key assets, though such a fee could prove hard to turn down for a defender nearing 30.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo - $80.5 million
Liverpool have been touted with a potential move for multi-functional Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with a $80.5 million transfer possibly in the pipeline this summer. The Belgium international's adaptability is amongst his greatest assets, with the 21 year old able to feature as a No. 9, No. 10 or across either flank.
According to French publication L'Equipe, Fernandez-Pardo is actively seeking a departure and has submitted a transfer request. Lille, though, remain intent on retaining the player they acquired from Gent for merely $11.5 million two years previously.
Liverpool already possess quality options at centre forward, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike offering their two senior striking alternatives. Nevertheless, Ekitike's rehabilitation from a significant Achilles injury means he is expected to be unavailable for the start of the campaign, leaving Iraola lacking dependable attacking cover.
Fernandez-Pardo could consequently prove an ideal short-term option, especially considering his capability to play in various attacking roles. Such versatility ought to guarantee he receives ample game time even after Ekitike regains full fitness, ensuring he offers more than simply cover during an injury absence.