Liverpool have begun negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for winger Bradley Barcola, whose potential move is bolstered by a reported breakthrough in PSG’s pursuit of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
The pursuit of Bradley Barcola comes as manager Andoni Iraola guides his squad through a pre-season tour of the United States. While Liverpool have only added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz to the roster this window, the club is now moving into overdrive
to secure the PSG forward, according to reporting from the Mirror.
The Maghnes Akliouche Domino Effect
A critical hurdle in securing Barcola is PSG’s requirement for a replacement before allowing the winger to depart. That path has cleared significantly following a reported breakthrough regarding Maghnes Akliouche. Sky Sports Germany reports that all parties are confident a deal for the Monaco dynamo will be completed, with Akliouche having already agreed to personal terms with Luis Enrique’s side.
This development serves as a major catalyst for Liverpool. Preliminary talks with Barcola’s representatives have already taken place, and the Mirror describes the signs from those discussions as encouraging
.
Squad Balance and the Mohamed Salah Void
Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News that while Barcola is a great player
, he is primarily a left winger. Carragher contends that Liverpool’s most pressing need is a replacement for the departed Mohamed Salah on the right wing, noting that the squad currently lacks anyone who looks fully comfortable
in that specific role.
“They probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who could play on the left-hand side comfortably.”
Jamie Carragher, via Sky Sports News
The current left-wing options include Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, and the emerging Rio Ngumoha. For Carragher, the logic of stockpiling in one position is confusing, especially since the club previously suggested they would not buy a left winger to avoid blocking Ngumoha’s progression.
Rio Ngumoha’s Role and Development
The teenage winger is coming off a breakout season with two goals in 19 Premier League appearances. During a recent 1-0 victory over Wrexham in New York, Ngumoha notably played on the right wing—the position formerly occupied by Salah—and scored the winning goal.
However, Carragher maintains that Ngumoha’s natural position is currently the left. While the youngster could gain minutes by playing on both sides, Carragher noted that spending a significant sum on Barcola might stall Ngumoha’s ability to play week in, week out
for the club in the next year or two.
Valuations and Financial Stakes
The financial scale of a Barcola deal is substantial, though reports vary on the exact asking price. Some sources value the player at £128.5m, while the Mirror cites an eye-watering
valuation of £140m.
Inter Milan and the Curtis Jones Negotiations
As Liverpool pursue reinforcements, they are also managing departures. Inter Milan has emerged as the primary suitor for Curtis Jones, though the two clubs remain apart on valuation. According to the Mirror, Inter values the midfielder at £21m, while Liverpool is holding out for £34m.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Inter Milan’s approach will be slow but direct
, with the Italian club expected to move all in
for Jones once they complete the free-agent acquisition of John Stones.
Keep reading
