Liverpool information: Bradley Barcola different delivers message as switch plan clear
Liverpool are looking to make new signings with the Premier League season just days away and the Reds’ summer transfer business far from done
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool ended pre-season with an impressive victory
Liverpool are still looking to sign new stars ahead of the Premier League season starting this weekend when the Reds travel to face Newcastle United away.
Bradley Barcola remains the name on every fan’s lips as the Paris Saint-Germain ace tops Liverpool’s transfer wishlist. But with the French winger yet to put pen to paper on a move to England, Andoni Iraola’s men played two friendlies against Italian outfit Como on Sunday.
The first, behind closed doors at the club’s AXA Training Centre, was a 70-minute affair that ended in a goalless draw but saw fans wowed by one new summer signing. The second, at Anfield, saw another new recruit take centre stage, as an unofficial debut goal from £60m French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet helped the Merseyside giants to a 2-0 win, with Cody Gakpo also scoring for the home side. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Andoni Iraola watches the first pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Como(Image: Getty)
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Victor Munoz delivers a statement
The closing stages of this transfer window look set to be dominated by Liverpool’s chase for Barcola, reports the Mirror.
With Mohamed Salah now plying his trade for Trabzonspor, a new superstar winger has been identified and the Frenchman, 23, who has won two Champions League trophies during his time in Paris meets the criteria.
However, as matters stand, PSG’s £130m valuation is beyond Liverpool’s estimation. Not forgetting, Barcola chiefly operates from the left, while a right-winger is arguably more pressing for the Reds.
Victor Munoz of Liverpool and Ivan Smolčić of Como in action(Image: Getty)
Spain international Victor Munoz, 23, might have something to say about this, though. He has shown he can play a significant part under Iraola and is capable of being deployed on either flank.
Liverpool took on Italian outfit Como twice on Sunday, with the first friendly behind closed doors at AXA Training Centre. Munoz was the standout performer in the first clash.
The World Cup champion, who was brought in from Osasuna for £34.6m in June, began on the left flank and posed a threat from the opening minute. He dismantled Como right-back Ivan Smolcic and was withdrawn in the 46th minute of what was merely a 70-minute encounter.
Curtis Jones transfer plan
Curtis Jones could leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
Munoz’s colleague Curtis Jones appears destined to depart Liverpool this summer.
The 25-year-old Liverpudlian has been in Inter Milan’s sights for considerable time now, with Iraola favouring other alternatives in the centre of the park.
Liverpool’s £34m asking price has thus far proven too steep for Inter, who have moved midfield talent Davide Frattesi to Lazio to clear wages and squad space.
However, reports from Italy now suggest another midfielder will shortly be offloaded, finally allowing them to secure Jones. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Luis Henrique, previously of Marseille, is now being lined up for departure.
When he is offloaded, Inter will make a move for the Liverpool midfielder. It’s reported that Roma are among the few clubs keen on taking Henrique from Inter.
And it’s thought Liverpool are now willing to lower their asking price for their homegrown star, who only has 12 months left on his contract at Anfield, where he has lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
