Michael Owen has questioned Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola as the Reds continue to chase the Paris Saint-Germain star, who played for France at the World Cup
Bradley Barcola continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool
Bradley Barcola continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen has questioned the club's drawn-out pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, suggesting alternatives should have been considered much sooner.
The Reds are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer, having not replaced Luis Diaz when he left the club for Bayern Munich last year. Hugo Ekitike is also sidelined for an extended period due to injury, while talisman Mohamed Salah left the club following the mutual termination of his contract at the end of last season and has since joined Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Liverpool has so far only recruited Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, beating Newcastle to his signature. It was a straightforward deal due to the 23-year-old's £34.6 million ($46.5 million) release clause.
It has become quite clear in recent weeks that PSG's Barcola is the Reds' primary target to bolster their attack.
Links with the Frenchman first emerged 12 months ago in the wake of Diaz's departure, but the pursuit has intensified this summer, with widespread reports suggesting negotiations are ongoing.
That said, Barcola will command a hefty fee, with PSG's internal valuation rumored to be in the region of a staggering £145 million ($195 million).
Jarrod Bowen has scored 65 Premier League goals since joining West Ham
Jarrod Bowen has scored 65 Premier League goals since joining West Ham(Image: Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
It has been suggested Liverpool is prepared to pay in the region of £100 million ($134 million), which is still some distance from the Ligue 1 club's asking price.
With the deal likely to drag on for the remainder of the transfer window, Liverpool faces a race against time, with its opening Premier League match against Newcastle just two weeks away. It is for that reason Owen has claimed the Reds could have been more proactive in pursuing more attainable targets much earlier in the summer, such as West Ham's Jarrod Bowen.
“He's [Barcola] obviously very good, but he's going to come at a massive price," Owen said in an interview with GOAL, speaking via Sportsbookreview.com. "I don't think they have to win it. There's other great players out there.
“You know what I would have done a couple of months ago if I was Liverpool - that's try to do everything to sign Jarrod Bowen. I can't believe he's going to be desperate to play in the Championship. Looks like he is now, whatever he's done. To replace Salah, I thought that could have been a good move.
“Barcola is obviously top class, but he's going to come at a price. There's obviously other great players around the world.
"It's one that you can definitely see because they absolutely need some talented wide players. It's not always that these players come available. If he is available and it's an easy one to do, barring the big price tag, then yes, I can see that one being pushed by Liverpool."
Bowen had been tipped to leave West Ham this summer following the club's relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
However, the 29-year-old instead committed his future to the London club last month by signing a revised contract that still runs until 2030, but reportedly includes a release clause that can be triggered if West Ham fails to secure promotion next season.