Barcola Identified as Top Target
Liverpool have identified Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as their primary transfer target this summer, following Mohamed Salah's departure. However, the Premier League club have yet to initiate formal negotiations with PSG, despite reports of an agreement in principle between Barcola and Liverpool.
Reports of Agreement in Principle
French publication L'Equipe reported on Tuesday that the 24-year-old has agreed personal terms with Liverpool after talks with head coach Andoni Iraola. Barcola, valued by PSG at £145m, is said to have informed the Champions League winners that he does not wish to extend his contract. The Liverpool ECHO, however, states that no direct talks have taken place between the clubs.
PSG's Plans and Potential Cost
PSG had been looking to sell midfielder Yan Diomande to RB Leipzig for over £100m, which could have softened their stance on Barcola, but Diomande is now expected to join Real Madrid. Any deal for Barcola is expected to cost Liverpool north of £100m.
Iraola's Squad Needs
Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot last month and has already signed Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, beating Newcastle United. At his first press conference, Iraola said: "Obviously we've signed two players already but we need more players – we know this. The club is working on this."
Speaking at a press conference in Chicago, Iraola added: "You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
