Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola edges closer to getting his top target for the summer
Andoni Iraola was asked about Bradley Barcola after Liverpool agreed a deal to sign the PSG winger
Andoni Iraola is close to getting his wish at Liverpool(Image: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the Reds reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Bradley Barcola. The Frenchman has been the club's top target to replace Mohamed Salah.
Andoni Iraola's attacking options were in need of significant improvement this summer, and such a requirement was noticeable during Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Newcastle in their Premier League season-opener.
Rio Ngumoha started on the right wing after only being afforded a summer of learning the position and struggled in the role. The lack of forward depth was further exemplified when Lewis Koumas was brought on in the second half to make his top-flight debut.
Less than five days remain until the summer window slams shut and Iraola has spoken out on his transfer plans in the final days of the window, while details emerged on what could be the Reds' biggest deal this summer.
Iraola confirms plans
As work continues to secure Barcola's signature, Iraola has been speaking about Liverpool's transfer plans before the window shuts next week. The Spanish manager refused to mention the French winger by name but did acknowledge the club's interest in that area of the pitch.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday ahead of the Reds' clash against Nottingham Forest, the Liverpool boss said: "As you know, we are trying to sign in that position. We can't talk about players who right now aren't ours.
"But we are trying to improve and fill that position as we don't have the numbers. I hope we have good news soon but we are still not there." Iraola refused to rule out further incomings in other positions, as well as the possibility of player departures.
Liverpool's Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the supporters at the end of the pre-season friendly football match between Liverpool and Como
Andoni Iraola has refused to rule out more signings at Liverpool(Image: Getty)
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He added: "There are certain things we can but it’s true we need players in the wide areas. I’m sure if we can improve other areas we will but I don’t know how the market is going to finish. I have to be patient as well as you."
The Spaniard went on to explain (via the Liverpool Echo): "Our players, I cannot guarantee anything about how many we are going to sign or whatever. Experience tells us that if there's an opportunity the last day you can do something. I don't know what's going to happen. Even I have to be patient. Then we get to 2nd September – this is who we have and the options we have; then we can start thinking.
"For now we don't know. I have in my head what I want. We've been talking since the beginning with the club; they know what we want. It's about closing the deals."
Barcola agreement clinched
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during a training session at Stadion Salzburg, ahead of the UEFA Super Cup which takes place on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday August 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire.
Bradley Barcola's move to Liverpool is getting closer(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
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A deal to bring Barcola to Anfield is not yet complete, but is heading in the right direction following the bombshell announcement of the agreement on Thursday morning. According to The Athletic, Liverpool and PSG agreed on a package worth £120m, which would make Barcola the second-most expensive player in Liverpool history, only behind Alexander Isak's £125m move last summer.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon led talks with their PSG counterparts. The potential arrival of the 23-year-old would immediately bolster the Reds' options across the frontline, which has been lacking due to Hugo Ekitike's Achilles injury and Salah's exit at the end of last season.
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