Liverpool information: Bradley Barcola switch enhance as Andoni Iraola makes worrying confession
Liverpool are in the market for a new winger and desperately need a new centre-back as Andoni Iraola has spoken out about the Reds’ threadbare squad
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain is Liverpool’s primary target
Andoni Iraola has spoken out about the threadbare Liverpool squad and hinted at the obvious need for new signings.
The Premier League giants are said to be in talks with Paris Saint-Germain about signing their French winger Bradley Barcola, but a transfer fee in excess of £100m could be a stumbling block, with the reigning European champions reportedly asking for a whopping £145m for the young ace.
Finding a replacement for talisman Mohamed Salah remains a priority for the Reds. Meanwhile, due to an injury in defence sustained in a pre-season victory, Liverpool face going into yet another season without adequate options for their backline. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Bradley Barcola is a target for Liverpool(Image: Carmen Mandato – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Bradley Barcola boost
It is believed Liverpool have commenced talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Barcola, who it’s thought the French giants are demanding a staggering £140m for.
Initial conversations with the 23-year-old player’s agents have already taken place and the indicators are positive, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, it seems probable the French outfit will demand a replacement before allowing a talent like Barcola to depart. Sky Sports Germany reveals that a crucial breakthrough has occurred in discussions concerning Maghnes Akliouche.
Liverpool made an approach for Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche(Image: Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
PSG have been pursuing the Monaco winger, 24, for considerable time, but a breakthrough has now been claimed. All involved parties are presently optimistic that an agreement will be reached.
Akliouche has also settled personal terms with Luis Enrique’s outfit and therefore, should he materialise as anticipated, this would provide the Reds with a significant advantage as they seek to secure Barcola.
Interestingly, Liverpool have also been connected with signing French ace Akliouche.
Curtis Jones update
Curtis Jones of Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Regarding departures, Curtis Jones has extensively been connected with a move away from Liverpool and Inter Milan remain the leading candidates.
Talks are continuing between the two clubs, though they stay divided on valuations. However, Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that once Inter finalise the free-agent signing of John Stones, they will make a renewed push to sign Jones.
Boss Cristian Chivu is reportedly eager to conclude a deal for the midfielder and following discussions two evenings ago, Inter’s hierarchy decided their strategy will be patient but determined.
They rate the player at £21m while the Reds demand £34m, but the Italian outfit are seemingly prepared to adopt a waiting approach
Jones entered as a substitute in the 1-0 triumph over Wrexham and was spotted in a heated conversation with several team-mates following the final whistle, arguing with Dominik Szoboszlai.
Joe Gomez update as centre-back needed
Joe Gomez’s injury spells trouble for Liverpool(Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Joe Gomez was forced off the pitch injured eight minutes into Liverpool’s pre-season victory over Sunderland last Saturday.
Iraola has confirmed the injury-prone centre-back, 29, who can also provide cover at fullback, is facing a short spell on the sidelines.
He said: “Joe has a muscle injury. I think it was quite clear since he complained straight away, so it will depend how he evolves, but he will be some weeks off.”
Gomez and new signing French prospect Jeremy Jacquet, 21, are now both absent from the Reds squad out in America.
And with 35-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk beginning pre-season training back on Merseyside after the World Cup, Liverpool started Wednesday’s clash with Wrexham in New York with a centre-back pairing of youth stars Luke Chambers and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s only experienced centre-back available ahead of the new season(Image: Getty Images)
Mor Talla Ndiaye was also utilised in the position during the second half of the 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium.
Iraola admitted: “You have seen these games, we are pretty thin in the centre-back position. We still don’t have Virgil. The only real centre-backs we have right now are Mor and Ify, that are 18 years old, just arrived to the club and they are doing incredibly well.
“Yesterday Luke Chambers played there, he is not a centre-back but he played really, really well. We have to until we recover some bodies.
“I think Jeremy is ready to go and we will recover Virgil, but I’m happy that playing against Sunderland, against Wrexham – good teams – with 18-year-old centre-backs, the team has showed composure and solidity at the back and [that] speaks very well about them.”
