Liverpool salvaged a point with a late equaliser against Newcastle United and are now praying for last gasp additions in the summer transfer window
Liverpool salvaged a point with a last gasp penalty against Newcastle United and now will be hoping for late additions in the summer transfer window.
Andoni Iraola’s first game as Reds manager saw his team underwhelm at St James’ Park but come away with a 2-2 draw thanks to new signing Victor Munoz coming off the bench and winning a penalty, which was converted brilliantly by Dominik Szoboszlai in the 99th minute. Liverpool had fallen behind to an early counter-attack when Anthony Elanga struck after just five minutes, then after Cody Gakpo equalised in the second half with a long-range effort, almost immediately conceded again in a breakaway goal from Joe Willock.
The issues with Liverpool’s understocked squad were there for all to see – namely the lack of a defensive midfielder and attacking options on the bench – and Iraola even brought on 20-year-old Lewis Koumas for his Premier League debut. Now, following the departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan, sporting director Richard Hughes has just eight days left to give the Spanish coach the players he needs to compete for silverware this season. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Barcola sidelined
Paris Saint-Germain sensation Bradley Barcola has been left out of Luis Enrique’s PSG squad for two recent matches, casting doubt over his future.
According to RMC Sport, Barcola, 23, along with Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, another player linked with a Liverpool move this summer, will not feature in the club’s fixtures until their situations are clarified, reports the Mirror.
Both players were omitted from PSG’s squad for their French Super Cup loss to Lens last weekend as well as the club’s Ligue 1 opener at Rennes on Sunday night.
Liverpool have been pursuing the French international Barcola for the majority of the summer, with PSG allegedly seeking more than £140million for the player. The Reds, though, are unwilling to meet that figure.
Barcola, who has 39 goals in 152 outings for the back-to-back Champions League winners, is also believed to be eager to join Iraola’s outfit.
While PSG’s asking price remains problematic, it has lately been suggested in the French press that a bid ranging from £111m to £128m might clinch the agreement to finally secure his signing.
Personal terms agreed
Yankuba Minteh has reportedly reached personal terms with Liverpool following the Reds having two offers for the winger knocked back.
The Reds saw an initial £50m proposal for the Brighton winger, 22, rejected last week. Despite raising that sum by £10m, a second bid was turned down.
Nevertheless, the Reds are said to remain committed to completing a deal for the Gambian international before the transfer window closes.
The former Newcastle United winger, who never played a game for the Magpies but earned a move to the south coast after an impressive season on loan with Feyenoord, has 10 goals in 73 appearances for Brighton.
Football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that while “Bradley Barcola is the priority,” Minteh “has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool”.
He added that the player “dreams” of moving to Anfield and is now waiting for Brighton and Liverpool to agree on a fee for the transfer.