Liverpool could be about to pull off a huge shock in the transfer market with a staggering transfer raid
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is eyeing a major transfer raid(Image: Michael Miller/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The clock is ticking with Liverpool scheduled to kick off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle in just under three weeks time. The Reds are running out of time to add to their squad this summer too and the urgency is only amplified by the fast-approaching transfer deadline, which officially closes on September 1.
So far, Andoni Iraola's side has only welcomed French centre-half Jeremy Jacquet and Spanish wide-man Victor Munoz to the squad.
The club have suffered significant outfield losses this summer, bidding farewell to Mohamed Salah, who has signed for Trabzonspor. Andy Robertson has joined Tottenham Hotspur and Ibrahima Konate has moved to Real Madrid.
As pre-season preparations near conclusion with a friendly clash against Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, August 9, boardroom activity is seemingly ramping up. Reports today suggest Liverpool are plotting a massive £188million swoop, all while a former Anfield great has issued a stark warning to his old club.
£188m bid considered
Liverpool are reportedly pursuing a move for Bradley Barcola and his PSG team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye as they seek to reinforce their wide options. Senegal international Mbaye joined the PSG academy in 2018 from Versailles.
In 2024, he was handed a call-up by Luis Enrique to train alongside the first team after catching the eye in the youth setup. Mbaye has contributed eight goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances for PSG and, while predominantly operating on the right, is equally comfortable on the opposite flank.
The French giants are believed to value him at around £43m. The Reds have maintained a longstanding interest in French international Barcola, with negotiations expected to commence shortly over a potential deal to bring him to Anfield.
Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye are both wanted by Liverpool
Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye are both wanted by Liverpool(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
The reigning European champions are reportedly demanding in the region of £145m for the 23-year-old winger, though reports indicate that the Reds are hoping to secure him for considerably less.
Should Liverpool complete a remarkable double swoop for both players, they could be faced with a staggering combined outlay of £188m to bring the pair to Merseyside from the French capital.
Ex-Red makes bleak prediction
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has voiced his reservations over the club's transfer activity this summer. The ex-centre-back has also written off the Reds' chances of claiming the Premier League title this season, citing their sluggish approach in the transfer market.
"Where we are right now, and there is still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or Man City (winning the league)," Carragher said on The Football Ramble.
"I think Liverpool need two defenders and a top right winger to be in the 'chat' or in the chase. They haven't replaced Mo Salah.
Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts on Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"They are supposed to be going for Barcola, and I'm sitting there scratching my head thinking the manager and the people sorting the transfers out know a lot more than I do about what's going on behind the scenes, but we have about four players who can play left wing, and we are going for Barcola.
"They haven't got one player who plays on the right wing in the squad. I'm a little bit worried but what I would say about Liverpool and people above, with the people above, I do trust them in terms of over the last decade or so, how they have gone about their business - they sell well, they bring in good fees. There must be something up their sleeve."