Fabrizio Romano confirms that Liverpool’s deal to sign Alexander Isak is “still alive” and that PSG winger Bradley Barcola is their “dream option” for a winger.
If the reports are true and Liverpool do end up signing the 22-year-old, the outrage at the Reds’ spending will reach cataclysmic levels.
So far, FSG have spent £195m on Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and could take that to £325m for Isak. Spending another £70-80m on Barcola would grant Liverpool unprecedented levels of depth and quality in their attack.
And the story is gathering momentum too.
On Wednesday evening, French football expert Fabrice Hawkins reported on X that Liverpool are keen to sign Barcola but PSG requires two conditions to be met; Barcola must push for the transfer himself and Liverpool must pay €100m (£87m).
Bradley Barcola is Liverpool’s “dream option in terms of wingers” but will cost around £87m
Speaking on YouTube, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are still actively pursuing Isak and also confirmed their interest in Barcola despite claims that he is not being pursued.
Romano defies a claim from James Pearce, saying Liverpool are are “not currently considering” the Frenchman this summer.
“The Isak deal is absolutely still alive. In case the Isak deal can’t happen because Newcastle decide to close their doors and not proceed with this one, Bradley Barcola is the dream option in terms of wingers.
“Because for Liverpool, the striker is Isak. If they can’t get Isak, there is the possibility of going for a winger in that case and Bradley Barcola is seen as a dream target internally at Liverpool.
“As of today, Liverpool have not made contact with the agents. Liverpool have not contacted Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool are not negotiating for Barcola.”
Why is Bradley Barcola so highly rated by Liverpool? The data says it ALL
With 21 goals and 21 assists, Bradley Barcola is as balanced an attacker you will find in Europe. He’s still raw too which means Arne Slot would be signing him at the perfect time – although this would stunt the immediate progression of Rio Ngumoha in the first team.
Interestingly, that’s the reason James Pearce provided for why Liverpool aren’t pursuing him but if Romano is the one with the accurate info, it’s easy to see why Slot wants him.
Beyond the goal contributions, there is so much to like about the 22-year-old.
Data from Fbref makes this clear to see.
He ranks in the 98th percentile for carries into the penalty area and is constantly threatening the opposition goal with his dribbling or direct running behind the line.
With the ball, he is one of the most dangerous players, ranking in the 89th percentile for most non penalty goals and assists by an attacker in Europe’s top five leagues.
But without the ball, he is in the 94th percentile for interceptions and even wins 65% of his aerial duels – putting him in the 99th percentile for forwards in that regard.
He also averages 1.24 blocks per game – better than 84% of all attackers in an elite league.
All things considered, Barcola would make a fabulous signing but given signing him AND Isak would take the club’s spending to £405 before a centre-back is signed, I wouldn’t get too attached to this story just yet.