Liverpool information: Bradley Barcola switch replace as deal agreed and medical booked
Liverpool are biding their time in the transfer market but the Reds are ready to spring into action as the Premier League season draws closer.
The arrival of Andoni Iraola has naturally heightened expectations, with fans keen to witness how the Spaniard transforms his squad ahead of his maiden campaign at the helm. So far, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have been secured, arriving from Osasuna and Rennes respectively in deals worth £34.5million and £55m.
Nevertheless, Liverpool remain busy behind the scenes and are understood to be pursuing several ambitious targets – especially in attack. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool transfer news.
Barcola bid delay explained
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Liverpool have made PSG winger Bradley Barcola their top attacking priority as they continue preparing for the post-Mohamed Salah era. Talks between the two clubs are understood to be progressing, though the Reds have yet to submit a formal offer for the French international.
According to Sky Sports, this approach is completely deliberate. Liverpool’s decision-makers are keen to establish precisely what sum PSG would be willing to accept before tabling an initial bid, rather than submitting an offer that gets immediately rejected and potentially hampers future talks.
PSG are currently thought to rate Barcola at approximately £145m, while Liverpool are targeting a deal nearer to £100m, meaning a substantial gap exists between the two clubs’ assessments.
“There’s no point slinging in an offer if they don’t believe that they’re close to getting a deal done,” Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam said on The Transfer Show.
“If PSG want £145m, then what’s the point of putting in an offer for £100m? It’s going to get rejected, isn’t it? Therefore, they have to have some sensible conversations where they can get it down a bit from £145m because they’re never going to pay that.”
PSG clearing way for Barcola exit
(Image: Franco Arland, Getty Images)
While Liverpool and PSG remain divided over Barcola’s valuation, recent developments indicate the French outfit could be laying the groundwork for his departure.
Reports suggest PSG have struck an agreement to bring in Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche. The exceptionally adaptable forward, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or across either wing, is set to undergo a medical before completing a £42.8m move to the Parc des Princes.
PSG are also working to complete the acquisition of Ajax winger Mika Godts, with reports suggesting a deal valued at approximately £50m is moving closer. Should both attacking additions materialise, speculation will only grow that the Ligue 1 champions are prepared to approve Barcola’s departure.
The 23-year-old has notched 34 goals and 28 assists over the past two club campaigns despite competing for playing time alongside Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. Barcola is understood to prefer a switch to Anfield, where he would get the chance to adopt a more prominent attacking position and secure more regular first-team action.
