Liverpool's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola has left former Everton forward Louis Saha feeling "gutted," as he believes the French star would thrive in the Premier League.
Liverpool's top target
Barcola remains the Reds' top target this summer, with the club refusing to be put off by PSG's prohibitive £145m price tag and hoping to do a deal for a lower fee.
The 28-times capped France international, 23, has two years remaining on his PSG contract and has indicated that he has no desire to sign a new one. That stance strengthens Liverpool's hand as they seek to do a deal for a player seen by many as the replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Saha's praise
Saha, who played for Everton for three-and-a-half seasons between 2008 and 2012, scoring 35 goals, thinks Barcola would be a great signing for Liverpool. "Yes I do think that he'll be successful in the Premier League. Bradley is an amazing player. Already a two-time Champions League winner," said Saha, who was capped 20 times by his country, told PariuriX.com.
"He's a player who's found himself developing so quickly that now he's eager to get recognition and being a superstar at his club. PSG have so many quality players, so he wants to find a club that respects his development. I'm not saying that PSG doesn't, but it's just like Bradley's development has been so quick with the club as well, so he just wants to have the challenge."
Rare profile
Saha went on to list Barcola's qualities, which he is resigned to seeing on display at Anfield this season. "I'm sure that Liverpool understand why they are pursuing this player because he's super fast, great stamina, good combination play, good with the ball on his feet, and can stretch defences with his runs. We've seen it with France during the World Cup," he said.
"His profile is rare. It's very rare how he can disrupt the defence and it's a big advantage to have players whose strength is in their movement. And his finishing has improved a lot too. So Liverpool are going to get a really good player. I'm gutted."
