Liverpool could face a blow in their search for a winger this summer, with Saudi side Al-Hilal playing a part. The Reds may be impacted by a transfer domino effect as the side reportedly makes a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.
Liverpool's search for a winger
Andoni Iraola is keen to strengthen his squad this summer as he prepares for his first season in charge at Anfield. The Reds are likely to be prioritising attacking areas as they search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian left the club at the end of last season, leaving Liverpool needing to replace the 257 goals and 123 assists he provided in 442 appearances.
Liverpool have been linked with several names as they look ahead to the new Premier League season, which starts in less than a month. PSG winger Bradley Barcola has emerged as one potential target, although Arsenal are also vying for the French international's signature. According to football.london, Barcola features amongst several players the Gunners are considering for attacking reinforcements.
Potential obstacles
They may, nonetheless, encounter an obstacle, with journalist Sacha Tavolieri claiming that Al-Hilal are 'pushing' to secure Dembele from PSG. Should they succeed in landing him, it would almost certainly rule out a Barcola departure, with the French giants unlikely to sanction losing another attacking option.
The transfer could also have a domino effect on Liverpool's pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. The Reds have been heavily linked with the Ivory Coast international but the forward is understood to favour a switch to PSG above any other suitors. If PSG offload Dembele this summer, it increases the likelihood they'll be seeking attacking additions. The fee they collect from Al-Hilal will also probably finance a bid for Diomande.
Iraola's transfer priority
Liverpool have added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz to their squad so far this summer, but Iraola has already made it clear what the club's transfer priority should be. "I think it is difficult to say a number [on how many incomings]," he said during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the US. "When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyze what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have. We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things."
