Liverpool are pushing to finalize a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola ahead of the transfer window closing, facing a valuation gap alongside ongoing interest in teammate Mbaye, while manager Andoni Iraola warns of critical squad shortages in attack.
Liverpool’s late-window recruitment efforts are centering firmly on the French capital, where the pursuit of PSG forward Bradley Barcola remains the club’s primary attacking objective. The pursuit of Barcola is dragging on, but it is very likely that both PSG and Liverpool will come to an agreement this summer for the French winger. Liverpool’s priority in the transfer market is still in attack and namely, Bradley Barcola.
The Reds have added just one forward to their ranks this summer—signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna—even in the wake of the high-profile departure of club legend Mohamed Salah. That sparse reinforcement leaves the squad vulnerable on the flanks, a reality that manager Andoni Iraola has addressed candidly with club hierarchy.
PSG Outcasts and the Valuation Gap
Liverpool targets Barcola and Mbaye have once again been left out of PSG’s matchday squad as speculation over their futures intensifies. Barcola, 23, remains a primary objective for the Reds this summer, though negotiations continue to drag on, while 18-year-old Mbaye has emerged as a potential alternative to bolster Anfield’s frontline. Both players featured at this summer’s World Cup, where Barcola netted three goals during France’s fourth-place finish, while Mbaye scored once before Senegal’s last-32 exit.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the attacking pair are set to miss Sunday’s Ligue 1 opener against Rennes. Their absence continues a recent trend, having already been sidelined for the Trophee des Champions defeat to Lens and the Uefa Super Cup triumph over Aston Villa just days earlier.
Fierce competition is further complicating the situation in Enrique’s frontline, which already features Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, alongside new arrival Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco. Despite the squad depth, Barcola proved his worth last season with 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for PSG. Arsenal had also shown interest in the 23-year-old winger earlier in the window before pivoting towards an ambitious attempt for Vinicius Jr that ultimately fell through.
Questions regarding the decision to drop Mbaye and Barcola for the Lens fixture saw Enrique abruptly cut short a post-match interview, though he later elaborated on his selection policy during his press conference. The Spaniard’s firm approach arrives as PSG prepare to launch their Ligue 1 title defense, seeking to extend a dominant run that has delivered five consecutive league trophies and a record 14 overall. Enrique defended his hardline selection stance when speaking to reporters about shaping a hungry, committed roster, explaining his philosophy on squad composition.
‘We are a very young, very ambitious team,’ Enrique told reporters. ‘And it’s more important to make changes and find players who enjoy playing our way and being happy to play for PSG. If a player doesn’t really want to come, if he’s not happy here, it’s better to find another solution.’
Luis Enrique
Iraola Demands Urgent Wide Reinforcements
Andoni Iraola has issued a stark warning to the Liverpool hierarchy, admitting the squad remains well short of the depth needed to compete at the top level. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener away to Newcastle United, the manager highlighted the urgent need for wide reinforcements regarding wide attacking options.
‘There are certain situations that for me are clear, especially on the wing because we don’t have enough players specifically to play in those positions. In other positions we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that honestly can improve our team.’
Andoni Iraola
Those remarks underscore an aggressive push for solutions before the market slams shut. Liverpool are set to push for a new winger in the final days of the transfer window to bolster their attacking options. Prior to targeting the PSG contingent, their urgency in the market is clear, having already seen two bids turned down for injured Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh.
Midfield Stability Amid Forward Insecurity
Chris has sent me this question around Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola, while Josh has asked if the Reds will look to replace Curtis Jones with a transfer in midfield. As it stands, a move for another midfielder looks unlikely but as is always the case, if an opportunity in the market presents itself then Liverpool may act.
This year, Liverpool have tied down Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch to new long-term deals while 19-year-old Trey Nyoni will now get an opportunity to show Andoni Iraola what he can do. Alexis Mac Allister, who is entering into the final two years of his current deal at Anfield, will also be staying put this summer.
With no active talks over a new deal yet for Mac Allister though, midfield could well become more of a priority over the coming 12 months for Liverpool. Yet, with no immediate plans for further midfield arrivals unless a sudden market opportunity materializes, the glaring deficiency on the flanks remains the definitive storyline of Liverpool’s summer window.
