Liverpool still have Bradley Barcola as their top attacking target, while an initial approach for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr has been turned down. With less than a week remaining in the summer transfer window, manager Andoni Iraola has just days to reshape his forward line.
Iraola's era begins with draw at Newcastle
Iraola's on-pitch tenure officially began last Sunday, with Liverpool drawing 2-2 against Newcastle United at St James' Park. All three of the club's new signings featured in the match: Jeremy Jacquet started, while Ronald Araujo and Victor Munoz came on in the second half. The trio gave positive performances, but the Reds were noticeably lacking in midfield and attack.
Liverpool's forward line would be bolstered by the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who remains the club's top target this month. The Frenchman could be joined by Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr, following reports on Wednesday.
Sarr interest emerges after Palace reject approach
Liverpool's pursuit of attackers has been one of the stories of the transfer window. A move for Barcola is still on the cards, although their short-lived pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh appears to have ended. According to The Athletic, the Reds have had an initial approach for the 28-year-old Sarr turned down.
Sarr is well-known to Liverpool, not only for his exploits for Watford and Palace. He was placed on a three-man shortlist in the summer of 2020 during his days at Vicarage Road. Although the club now appears to have resurrected that interest, only an astronomical offer would tempt Palace to sell.
Barcola worry shut down by Louis Saha
Barcola's potential arrival at Liverpool has only several days to come to fruition. The Reds have been in deep negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for several weeks over the France international. In what would be his first footballing venture outside France, the left-winger has been backed by former Manchester United and Everton striker Louis Saha.
Saha told Mr Gamble: "Bradley Barcola would be a top level signing. He’s quick, he can provide assists to other players and score goals as well, so it’s easy to see why Arsenal and Liverpool are taking a look at him." Saha also cited the versatility of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah when asked whether Barcola, 23, can perform on the right flank.
He explained: "He can cross the ball really well. So yes, Barcola can play whether he’s on the left side or the right side, and it is too restrictive to think a player can only play on one side or another. It is these ideas that are killing the game. Players should not be defining themselves in this way. You’re a left-sided player? No, no. Please! Stop that. Look at Sadio Mane. He played on the right for Liverpool. They signed Mohamed Salah so he played on the left. In his first World Cup tournament for France. Kylian Mbappe played on the right. He was playing on the left in his second World Cup. In his third World Cup this summer, he was the striker."
