Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
With less than a month to go until the 2026 summer transfer window closes, Liverpool have still only brought in one player on top of Jeremy Jacquet, who completed his switch to Anfield after a deal was agreed with Rennes in January.
Given Liverpool lost key influential players like Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, as well as manager Arne Slot, during the summer, that is quite surprising.
It hasn't been for the want of trying however, especially in attack where the Reds have been working hard to find a successor to Salah.
The Merseyside outfit had identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a top target, but the Ivory Coast international then decided he wanted to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, although a move to Real Madrid now looks set to happen.
Liverpool look to need at least one more body in attack, and potentially two given Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury and the fact that Cody Gakpo is being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
While there have been links to players like Rayan of Bournemouth, who is on the radar of many top European clubs after his impressive start to life with the Cherries, there is one key target emerging.
BBC: Liverpool Preparing 'Statement' Barcola Move
REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
According to BBC Sport, Liverpool have identified Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as their number one target after the failed Diomande move.
The report claims that while it would be unfair to label the Frenchman as Salah's long-term replacement, bringing the 23-year-old to Anfield would be a 'statement' transfer deal, given the Champions League holders value him at £145m.
The Reds are yet to begin club-to-club talks with PSG according to the report, but they are willing to pay around £100m for the France international's services.
Barcola is said to be unwilling to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes, with his current deal to expire in 2028.
The winger is said to be open to a move to Anfield, 12 months on from previous transfer talks between the two clubs over a transfer.
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
REUTERS/Phil Noble
It would be fair to say that Alexander Isak's first season at Liverpool following his British transfer record move from Newcastle United didn't go to plan.
The Sweden international suffered a number of injury issues and ended the campaign with 22 appearances, scoring four goals.
The 26-year-old showed glimpses when he was fit of what he can do for the Reds, and he will be hoping that a full pre-season will help him to be 100% ready and firing for the upcoming season.
Isak certainly looked sharp in his 45 minutes against Leeds United at the weekend, and he is a player who will benefit from quick and creative players around him, just like Barcola.
You could certainly see Isak and Barcola as two players who have the quality to link up and form a strong understanding on the pitch, and the Frenchman has the quality and profile to occupy opposition defenders and create more space for those around him.
37 assists in 152 appearances for PSG shows the winger's creativity too, and Isak would love some of that to boost his own goal tally in a red shirt.