Liverpool have agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, with the 23-year-old set to become the club's second-most expensive signing in history. The £120m package, reported by The Athletic, would place Barcola behind only Alexander Isak's £125m transfer last summer in the club's record fees.
The agreement was announced on Thursday morning, though the transfer has not yet been finalised. Sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon led discussions with their PSG counterparts.
Iraola confirms attacking reinforcement plans
Andoni Iraola has addressed Liverpool's transfer intentions ahead of next week's deadline. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, before the Reds' game against Nottingham Forest, he declined to reference Barcola specifically but acknowledged the club's focus in that area.
"As you know, we are trying to sign in that position. We can't talk about players who, right now, aren't ours. But we are trying to improve and fill that position as we don't have the numbers. I hope we have good news soon but we are still not there," he said.
Further business possible before deadline
Iraola hinted that additional signings could follow. "I'm sure if we can improve other areas, we will, but I don't know how the market is going to finish. I have to be patient as well as you," he added.
"I cannot guarantee anything about how many we are going to sign or whatever. Experience tells us that if there's an opportunity, the last day you can do something. I don't know what's going to happen. I have to be patient. Then we get to September 2 – this is who we have and the options we have, then we can start thinking."
Attacking options stretched
The need for reinforcement was evident during Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle in their Premier League opener. Rio Ngumoha featured on the right flank after being given just a summer to familiarise himself with the position and found the role challenging. Lewis Koumas came on in the second half, highlighting the shortage of forward options.
Barcola's potential arrival would strengthen an attack depleted by Hugo Ekitike's Achilles injury and Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season.
