Liverpool could wait until the last minute to sign Bradley Barcola this summer, as their game of transfer cat-and-mouse with PSG continues.
Liverpool could leave it late for Barcola
Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs admitted that not much has changed with the Reds’ pursuit of Barcola, but their tactic may be to sit and wait for his value to drop.
“If Liverpool wait and wait and wait, their feeling will be (Bradley) Barcola’s in an untenable position because PSG have ultimately added Ferran Torres, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche,” Jacobs said.
“But if they leave it too long, then the window could shut or PSG could decide we’re just going to keep him and wait until 2027.
“Alternatively, from Liverpool’s perspective, if they go now and try and do it early, Paris Saint-Germain might turn around and say ‘you know the price’ in the hope that Liverpool pay it out of urgency.
Bradley Barcola, PSG (Image: UEFA)
Bradley Barcola, PSG (Image: UEFA)
“This has got to come to a head one way or the other, but Barcola remains Liverpool’s top target. It just hasn’t been an easy negotiation to date.
“Liverpool’s entire tactic is around waiting, feeling in control of it, knowing Barcola wants the move, and then hoping the price comes down in the final days of the window.”
Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola is almost becoming tiresome now, especially with the new Premier League season just four days away.
The hope is that PSG will eventually budge, not demanding as much as £145.3 million, and the fact that he isn’t being picked by them currently bodes well.
One thing’s for sure, Liverpool HAVE to buy at least one winger before the summer transfer window slams shut.
LFC News: Jones pushing for exit & Bajcetic to Spain?
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Jones is said to be “doing everything he can” to complete a move to Inter Milan this summer, having not been involved for Liverpool against Como yesterday
• Despite this, journalist David Lynch claims there is a “close to zero” chance of Liverpool signing a midfielder, even if Jones leaves. Pretty bold tactic, that!
• La Liga’s Getafe have reportedly started talks to sign Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic this summer. He hasn’t played at all in pre-season
• Andoni Iraola has hinted at six starters for Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle on Sunday, with only a few spots up for grabs.
• Iraola has also given a positive verdict after Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo shone on their unofficial debuts. Who would you start at Newcastle?
• Liverpool will face Man City and Arsenal within the space of three weeks after the dates and times of the fixtures were confirmed. Find out when they are HERE!
More from This Is Anfield
A reminder to read James Nalton‘s key talking points from the 2-0 win over Como at Anfield, including an impressive Cody Gakpo performance:
“Back in an inside forward role in a more proactive team, we saw more of the Gakpo who was so useful under Jurgen Klopp, and he could be similarly useful under Iraola.
“The idea might be that he needs to be sold in order for a new winger to be bought, but if he is sold, Liverpool would need to sign more than one player in this position anyway.
“With that being the case, it might make more sense just to keep Gakpo for another season, and he seems to fit Iraola’s ideas well. By then, he might also command a higher transfer fee.”
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Liverpool 2-0 Como: 5 talking points as Jacquet dazzles and Gakpo poses question
Football News: Man City still want Enzo; Rodri having medical
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Chelsea's Wesley Fofana celebrates with team-mate ad captain Enzo Fernández (R) after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Chelsea's Wesley Fofana celebrates with team-mate ad captain Enzo Fernández (R) after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez reportedly remains a target for Man City this summer (Sky Sports)
• Meanwhile, City are believed to be in advanced talks with Lille over a move for highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (BBC Sport)
• All these City rumours are linked with Rodri, who is set to undergo his Barcelona medical ahead of a £65.4 million move (Sky Sports)
• Chelsea are said to value Pedro Neto at close to £100 million amid interest from Al Hilal. These price tags are getting out of hand! (Sky Sports)
• Tottenham have accepted a loan offer from Juventus for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, including an option to sign him permanently (BBC Sport)
Liverpool FC: On this day
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 17, 2024: Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 17, 2024: Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
On this day throughout history, three different Liverpool managers have taken charge of their first Reds game.
In 1974, the legendary Bob Pailsey oversaw a 2-1 win away to Luton, thanks to goals from Tommy Smith and Steve Heighway.
Eleven years later, in 1985, player-manager Sir Kenny Dalglish‘s Liverpool side beat Arsenal 2-0 at Anfield, with Ronnie Whelan and Steve Nicol netting.
Finally, in 2024, Arne Slot‘s Reds reign started positively, with Diogo Jota and Mo Salah finding the net in a 2-0 victory at Ipswich.