Liverpool is yet to make a formal bid for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, but the Reds are believed to be confident of securing a deal for their top attacking target as PSG close in on replacements
Bradley Barcola continues to be Liverpool's top target
Bradley Barcola continues to be Liverpool's top target(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool may have adopted a cautious strategy in the transfer market so far, but there's mounting speculation that this approach won't last much longer.
While numerous Premier League counterparts have invested heavily to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season, the Merseyside club has predominantly held back, raising concerns about when their summer overhaul will genuinely commence.
The arrival of Andoni Iraola has understandably heightened excitement, with fans keen to witness how the Spanish manager transforms his roster before his debut campaign at the helm. Yet to date, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have been secured, arriving from Osasuna and Rennes respectively in transactions valued at £34.5million and £55m.
Nevertheless, Liverpool continue to operate actively in the background and are understood to be pursuing several ambitious acquisitions - especially in the forward positions. With this in mind, here are the latest transfer developments from Anfield, via The Liverpool Echo.
Barcola bid delay explained
Liverpool have identified PSG winger Bradley Barcola as their primary attacking objective as they persist with preparations for the post-Mohamed Salah era. Talks between the two sides are understood to be underway, though the Reds have not yet submitted a formal offer for the French international.
According to Sky Sports, this approach is entirely deliberate. Liverpool's top brass are keen to establish precisely what fee PSG would be willing to accept before tabling an initial bid, rather than submitting an offer that could be immediately rejected and potentially derail negotiations.
PSG are currently thought to value Barcola at approximately £145m, while Liverpool are looking to conclude a deal closer to the £100m mark, leaving a considerable gulf between the two clubs' asking prices.
Bradley Barcola
PSG is reportedly open to selling Bradley Barcola at the right price(Image: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP via Getty Images)
"There's no point slinging in an offer if they don't believe that they're close to getting a deal done," Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam said on The Transfer Show.
"If PSG want £145m, then what's the point of putting in an offer for £100m? It's going to get rejected, isn't it? Therefore, they have to have some sensible conversations where they can get it down a bit from £145m because they're never going to pay that."
PSG clearing the way
Despite the valuation disparity between Liverpool and PSG over Barcola, recent developments suggest the Parisian club may be bracing themselves for his exit.
Reports indicate PSG have struck an agreement to bring in Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche. The highly adaptable forward, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing, is set to undergo a medical ahead of completing a £42.8m move to the Parc des Princes.
PSG are also pursuing Ajax winger Mika Godts, with reports suggesting a deal valued at approximately £50m is nearing completion. Should both attacking additions materialise, speculation will inevitably grow that the Ligue 1 champions are prepared to approve Barcola's departure.
The 23 year old has contributed 34 goals and 28 assists over the past two club campaigns despite competing for playing time with Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué. Barcola is understood to prefer a switch to Anfield, where he would gain the chance to operate in a more central attacking position and secure greater regular first-team involvement.