Liverpool are preparing to submit a formal bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with reports indicating the French club could sanction a departure for a fee in the region of £100 million. The pursuit is gathering momentum under new manager Andoni Iraola, whose tactical choices during a pre-season friendly may have offered a glimpse into how Barcola could fit at Anfield.
The 23-year-old has been one of the most dynamic forwards in Europe since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Lyon three years ago. He has accumulated Ligue 1 titles, UEFA Champions League medals, and domestic cup honours during that period, earning himself a place in France's national squad along the way. Now, both player and club appear open to a new challenge.
Ngumoha's Anfield future hangs in the balance
Any excitement surrounding a potential Barcola arrival is tempered by a lingering concern over teenager Rio Ngumoha, one of Liverpool's most promising young talents. Ngumoha made his senior England debut in the lead-up to the World Cup, and many supporters are keen to see him given consistent opportunities this season.
The 17-year-old scored the only goal as Liverpool defeated Wrexham in a friendly at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, a deflected effort that kept Iraola's side's pre-season record intact. Significantly, Ngumoha operated on the right wing for much of the match — a departure from his customary left-sided role — alongside Curtis Jones, Jeremie Frimpong, Kieran Morrison, and loan returnee Harvey Elliott in Iraola's second-half lineup.
The Mirror noted that Ngumoha's versatility could be the key to unlocking a scenario in which he and Barcola coexist rather than compete. With both players capable of playing wide forward roles, the suggestion is that they could operate either side of a central striker simultaneously.
Carragher questions Liverpool's transfer priorities
Not everyone is convinced the pursuit of Barcola addresses Liverpool's most pressing need, however. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher argued on Sky Sports News that the club's most glaring gap remains on the right wing, where Mohamed Salah's departure has left a void.
