Bradley Barcola is on the verge of joining Liverpool, but the club is preparing for a busy end to the summer transfer window with ingoings and outgoings expected
Harvey Elliott is on the verge of leaving Liverpool
Harvey Elliott is on the verge of leaving Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The summer transfer window for Premier League teams slams shut on Sept. 1, and Liverpool is expected to be busy in the final few days with one marquee signing yet to be announced.
After a record-breaking summer window last year, Liverpool has been more focused on departures, with Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson all leaving the club. Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have been brought in, with Bradley Barcola on the verge of joining from Paris Saint-Germain.
Head coach Andoni Iraola is hopeful that the club can secure more signings before the end of the window, and observed a 2-2 draw away to Newcastle on the opening day of the season, though Liverpool were fortunate. As Sept. 1 approaches, things haven't slowed down for Liverpool.
It's another summer of transition at Liverpool, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz yet to really make their mark since setting record transfers. Barcola is now on the horizon, and Iraola is eager to strengthen further.
"I hope we are close, in terms that we only have four or five days remaining in the market," Iraola said to Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports when asked about more signings. "So we've been patient until now, and I think we have to be a little bit more patient.
"But it's true that there are a lot of things going on, and I hope we can announce things quickly, because this is an area that has been really our priority, especially since Mo left last season. Everyone knows that we have a big hole to fill, and I think it has been the main focus, I would say, in this market, yes."
While Iraola is focused on who could join his squad this summer, Liverpool.com brings you the latest transfer updates during a late activity spike at the end of the window.
Villa swoops in for PSG's Mbaye
Although Liverpool has agreed to sign PSG star Barcola, who featured for France at the World Cup this summer, Iraola also had his eye on 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The Senegalese right-winger could have filled Liverpool's vacant position that has yet to be sufficiently filled since Salah's departure.
Munoz did look bright off the bench and won the last-second penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai to secure a point, but Liverpool were put off by PSG's high valuation for Mbaye. Aston Villa has now agreed to sign the PSG winger, with Liverpool relaxing its pursuit after early talks.
Paris Saint-Germain stars Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye (L)
Paris Saint-Germain stars Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye (L)(Image: Getty Images)
The Athletic confirmed on Friday that Villa would sign Mbaye for around $64 million, which is closer to Liverpool's preferred valuation. PSG was initially demanding $82 million, but has agreed to sell him for closer to the $59 million price that Liverpool appraised him at.
Villa were seen as outsiders in a potential deal, but have monitored the player since January. Villa is also set to lose Ollie Watkins before the deadline, prompting a late deal for an attacker.
Harvey Elliott set to join Valencia
Harvey Elliott has agreed personal terms with La Liga club Valencia, according to multiple media outlets, which could mean the 23-year-old's tenure with Liverpool is over. Elliott has made 149 appearances for Liverpool over seven years, after joining as a teenager.
Elliott played almost every Premier League game from 2022 to 2024, but began to fall out of favor under Arne Slot and endured a brutal year on loan at Villa last season. Elliott reported for preseason with hopes of a fresh start, but that opportunity may be in Spain.
Valencia is currently negotiating with Liverpool over a deal in the final days of the window. Elliott could follow Curtis Jones in securing a move elsewhere in Europe after he signed for Inter Milan.
Lewis Koumas to stay with Liverpool
Lewis Koumas' Liverpool career has been spent on loan in the Championship, but it's expected that he will remain at the club this season and be part of Iraola's plans. In an interview with TNT Sports, Iraola named Koumas as the young player ready to help Liverpool immediately this season.
Lewis Koumas made his Premier League debut against Newcastle
Lewis Koumas made his Premier League debut against Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)
"Lewis Koumas, I think, is gonna be a big help for us," he said. "He can play basically everywhere in the attacking position. I think we need this kind of [player]….I love his attitude."
Koumas featured heavily in Liverpool's preseason and made his Premier League debut in the opening 2-2 draw at Newcastle. Koumas spent the entirety of Arne Slot's tenure in the Championship, with loan spells at Stoke City, Birmingham City, and then Hull City, where he helped secure promotion to the Premier League.