Bradley Barcola: Liverpool close to signing striker

Bradley Barcola: Liverpool close to signing striker

According to Bbc.

Context

Bradley Barcola, a 23-year-old striker, is known for his ability to play on the left flank, making him a valuable asset for Liverpool. His move from PSG for a significant fee could be one of the most notable transfers in the Premier League this season, especially given the interest in other players such as Kodi Gakpo.

Why is this important

The signing of Bradley Barcola could significantly strengthen Liverpool's attacking options in the Premier League. It also casts doubt on the future of Kodi Gakpo, who could find himself in the crosshairs of other Premier League clubs such as Tottenham and Manchester City. Thus, the transfer could change the balance of power in the Reds' attack and affect their chances in the championship.

Key takeaways

• Bradley Barcola: Liverpool are close to signing a striker.
• Liverpool are on track to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG for a fee that could rise to £120 million, raising questions about Kodi Gakpo's future at the team.
• Bradley Barcola: Liverpool close in on Paris St-Germain forward in £120m deal - BBC Sport.

Liverpool are close to signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that could reach £120 million. According to BBC Sport, negotiations between the clubs have intensified over the past 48 hours, with a full agreement on the way. PSG valued the 23-year-old striker at £145m, but Liverpool appear willing to agree to a package that would cost a minimum of just over £100m and could rise to £120m depending on individual and team success.

Barcola is right-footed but prefers to play on the left flank and his possible signing raises further doubts over Kodi Gakpo's future at Liverpool. Several sources have reported that Tottenham and Manchester City are also interested in the Dutch striker. Liverpool are also looking for a right winger, with Yakuba Minteh from Brighton and Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace under consideration. The Reds have already made offers of 50 million and 60 million for Gambian Mintech, but both were rejected.

Ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he "can't talk about players who aren't ours at the moment." He added: "But obviously we're trying to improve or fill that position because we don't have enough players. I hope we have some good news soon, but we're not there yet." Iraola also said he "can't guarantee anything" regarding Gakpo's future, but stressed that he wants to keep the 27-year-old striker in the team. "[Gakpo] has been very good since returning from the World Cup and holiday, in a great mood. I hope we can keep him at this level as he has a significant impact on our games,” he said.

Barcola has become a key target for Liverpool as they look to strengthen their attack following the departures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah over the past two summers. He joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for £38.5 million and has won three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions League Cups, two French Cups, as well as a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Barcola, who scored three goals for France at this summer's World Cup, can also play on the right wing or in the centre, allowing him to compensate for the absence of Alexandre Issac, who is recovering from a serious Achilles injury.

As expected, Andoni Iraola showed respect for PSG when asked about Bradley Barcol, as the winger is not yet a Liverpool player. However, he was seen to be optimistic, saying he hoped for "good news soon."Barcola has become a priority for Liverpool since Ian Diomande's move to Real Madrid, with the club increasingly confident that the deal will go through smoothly. It would be a record sum for a player leaving Ligue 1. Barcola would add star status and indeed quality to a Liverpool attack that could become formidable if last summer's expensive signings such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are able to shine.

PSG views the deal as "very successful" as the club signed Barcola for 38 million and, if the conditions are met, will triple their money for a player who is entering the final two years of his contract and has shown no desire to extend it. Barkola often made way for Desir Douya and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the wide positions last season, and PSG have strengthened their position in these areas this summer with the signings of Magnes Akliusz and Mika Godc. However, Liverpool will also be happy with the deal, as the club had previously rejected PSG's £145 million offer but ended up signing one of Europe's most promising strikers.

What happens next

If Liverpool complete the deal for Barkola, it could lead to increased interest in Gakpo from other clubs. At the same time, Liverpool will continue to look for a right winger, exploring options with Mintech and Sarr, which could further change the team's composition. Head coach Andoni Iraola has already announced the need for reinforcements, which indicates possible changes in the club's transfer strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Bradley Barcola?

Liverpool are close to signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that could reach £120 million.

Who confirmed negotiations between Liverpool and PSG?

Information about the negotiations came from BBC Sport.

Why are Liverpool interested in Barcola now?

Liverpool are trying to improve their squad as they lack players in certain positions.

What changes could happen at Liverpool due to the signing of Barcola?

The signing of Barcola may raise doubts about Kodi Gakpo's future with the team.

What did the Liverpool head coach say about Gakpo?

Head coach Andoni Iraola noted that he hopes to keep Gakpo in the team and that he has a significant impact on games.

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