Liverpool have just two days left to make the signings Andoni Iraola needs to transform their fortunes after a winless start in the Premier League
Liverpool have just two days left in the summer transfer window to bolster Andoni Iraola’s understocked and underwhelming squad.
The Reds’ new Spanish boss has seen his side struggle to two draws in their opening two games in the Premier League, on both occasions having to snatch equalisers to spare their blushes against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Following a last-gasp penalty that spared them from defeat in a 1-1 draw at Newcastle on the opening weekend, Liverpool twice had to come from behind to salvage a point in a 2-2 stalemate with Forest at Anfield.
Having already dropped four points after just two games, fans are concerned about the club’s lack of quality options in attack, midfield and defence. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola looks set to arrive in a £123million deal, but bafflingly Cody Gakpo – who has a goal and an assist in two games – could be allowed to join rivals Manchester City. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield, ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
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Van Dijk’s Barcola verdict
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has offered his assessment of Barcola’s switch to Anfield, reports the Mirror.
The Liverpool skipper has insisted his club retains the same pulling power to lure the world’s finest talents. Speaking following the frustrating stalemate against Forest on Saturday, Van Dijk was quizzed about the imminent arrival of Barcola.
And while the transfer remains to be fully completed, he provided what insight he could regarding Liverpool’s soon-to-be second-most expensive acquisition.
“He’s a good player, that’s the only thing I can say,” said the Dutchman. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players.
“This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t. The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let’s see what happens.
“He’s a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. Until it’s official there’s no point speaking about it.”
Van Dijk and Barcola have encountered one another three times over the past two seasons at club level. Luis Enrique’s side emerged victorious in two of those encounters, with Barcola providing a crucial assist when PSG triumphed 2-0 at Anfield in April of this year.
Ismaila Sarr latest
Liverpool are said to remain in discussions regarding a potential deal to bring Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace.
The Athletic revealed last week that the Reds had an initial £50m offer for the player turned down, having apparently been priced out of a move for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.
Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano has stated on his YouTube channel that Liverpool, Palace and Sarr’s representatives continue in talks for the £60m-rated ace.
Sarr, who bagged 21 goals in 45 games last season as the Eagles won the Europa Conference League, has been absent from Palace’s squad in both of their opening two Premier League matches.
The Senegal forward has netted seven goals against Liverpool in recent campaigns and proved a constant thorn in their side on occasions.
There’s no firm indication of the price Palace are anticipating if they are to part with Sarr this summer. However, his omission from recent matches could suggest the club is attempting to keep the player fit ahead of a possible departure.