Fabrizio Romano reports that no matter what happens with Liverpool’s plans and hopes to sign two more wingers for Andoni Iraola, the Reds consider 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha as untouchable.
“Just to clarify that, should anything happen, Barcola or not Barcola, two wingers – because Liverpool’s intention is to add two wingers to the squad, especially if Gakpo goes to Tottenham – in any case, Rio Ngumoha is untouchable,” he said while reporting on YouTube.
Romano continued: “Rio Ngumoha was never close to joining Bayern this summer. Rio, for Liverpool, is [an] absolutely crucial part of [their] present and future project.”
Liverpool remain in talks with PSG for Barcola despite claims to the contrary
A report from French outlet L’Equipe claims that Liverpool have decided to pause talks with PSG for Barcola, as they wait for the final days of the window.
The report reads: “Liverpool have decided they will be coming back strong for Bradley Barcola in the last 10 days of the transfer window.”
?? ??? – @lequipe: Liverpool have decided they will be coming back strong for Bradley Barcola in the last 10 days of the transfer window. pic.twitter.com/efgWufuA5e
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) August 13, 2026
Contradicting L’Equipe’s report, Romano added: “Liverpool remain in daily conversations with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola.
“Liverpool have an agreement with Bradley Barcola on personal terms, a verbal agreement. Barcola wants to go to Liverpool. Liverpool are ready to go strong for Bradley Barcola.
“Liverpool are on it, I can guarantee that. Now it depends on the financial agreement. But even on Thursday, contacts took place between PSG and Liverpool, so the deal is on.”
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk claims that Liverpool and PSG have broken through an impasse in talks after the Parisians agreed to lower their asking price from £145m to just over £125m. It’s still a massive asking price and could require the Reds to break the Premier League transfer record for a second season in a row.
However, it’s the first sign of progress in talks for several weeks and will hopefully lead to Liverpool getting their marquee signing before the Premier League transfer deadline on 1 September at 11 pm.
It’s understandable why Liverpool are willing to take such risks with their approach to signing Barcola, given the French forward has 39 goals and 37 for PSG since joining the club.