Liverpool are targeting Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as their summer transfer priority, while Mohamed Salah’s future has taken a twist
Liverpool may have secured a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Andoni Iraola’s Reds have been hunting for a top class wide forward as they come to terms with life without talismanic goal machine Mohamed Salah and aim to inject some of the quality in wide areas that has been missing since the ill-fated decision to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and not replace him last summer.
Salah’s future meanwhile remains a fascinating topic given the fact one of the world’s biggest stars remains a free agent, yet his search for a new club seems to have hit a roadblock. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Mohamed Salah discussions collapse
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah appears unlikely to join Besiktas in a huge U-turn following the breakdown of transfer discussions, reports the Mirror.
The sporting director of the Turkish outfit, Onder Ozen, informed local press in frank terms that his club have withdrawn from talks with the winger, 34.
He alleged that Salah’s agents are also in discussions with another club. He said: “We contacted Salah, this also involved a financing model. Salah is a global star, a respected athlete. We met with Salah three times before the financial part of the negotiations was discussed.
“Up to this point, everything was smooth. When the financial side began, the initial smoothness slowed down from July 21st onwards. Requests began to arrive that would both disrupt the flow of information and create a deadlock in the financial process.
“I can assume that a respected athlete like Salah was unaware of this. The club has a policy, and it cannot deviate from that policy, our President has very clearly identified his position and has stayed there.
“I don’t have a chance to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, Besiktas’s offer, made under its own terms, is clear. If a response comes to this offer, it can be evaluated. But Besiktas will not make another offer.
“They said they are also in talks with another club, maybe they will get a result from there. The last offer we made to Salah is the final point that does not harm Besiktas’ club identity.”
Salah is now a free agent after departing Liverpool this summer, where he netted 257 goals and supplied 123 assists in 442 appearances across all competitions.
Bradley Barcola timeline emerges
French publication L’Equipe has reported that Paris Saint-Germain sensation Barcola has given a ‘verbal agreement’ to join Liverpool.
An earlier report by the same outlet suggested the Reds understand they may need to bide their time and wait for a deal for the 23-year-old French ace to be finalised.
Liverpool and PSG are in discussions over a potential transfer for the player, but there is a substantial difference in valuation between the two clubs.
It’s thought both sides are content to hold off on agreeing a possible fee, suggesting the transfer saga could extend throughout the summer, despite Barcola’s verbal commitment.
Several sources have suggested PSG value Barcola at an astonishing £145m, referencing Morgan Rogers’ move from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117m as one justification for this.
This follows reports that surfaced over the weekend stating Barcola had chosen not to renew his contract with PSG. His decision not to pen a new deal in Paris could leave the winger in a precarious position.
PSG manager Luis Enrique reportedly wants only those fully committed to the club available for selection next season, according to The Athletic.
Signs suggest Barcola may find game time limited if he stays at PSG this season and declines to extend his contract.