Liverpool have now been given the green light to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, having identified him as their top attacking target.
The Reds need to sign a new winger this summer, following the departure of Mohamed Salah, and Emile Heskey believes the PSG man would be a fantastic addition, saying: “Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we’ve been missing on the left wing,’
“We’ve been spoiled with Sadio Mané and Luis Díaz, and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again.
“Liverpool looked to have missed out on Yan Diomande to PSG, but that could open the door to Barcola leaving, it would be a statement signing for Andoni Iraola that’s for sure.”
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
As pointed out by Heskey, the Reds need to sign a new winger, having lost some key players in recent years, such as Mane, Diaz and Salah. Their interest in Barcola is well-documented, with Fabrizio Romano recently stating they remain keen. |
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Finances |
However, a deal could be an extremely expensive operation, as PSG are expected to demand £128m, which would eclipse the £125m spent on Alexander Isak last summer. |
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Insight |
That said, to sign the top players you need to pay top prices, and the Frenchman has been lauded as “elite” by scout Ben Mattinson. Last season, he picked up 11 goals and two assists in 29 Ligue 1 outings. |
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Impact |
As the Lyon-born winger is able to play on both sides, he could replace Salah on the right. However, he is naturally a left-winger, which means Cody Gakpo’s place in the side could be under threat. |
Liverpool identify Bradley Barcola as top target
According to TEAMtalk, Barcola is now Liverpool’s top attacking target, and they are ‘firmly’ in the race for his signature, amid growing signs a deal could be possible.
PSG are now willing to sanction a departure for the right price, with a fee of £128m touted in the report, as he is becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of game time.
Why Bradley Barcola could be perfect for Liverpool
The Reds need to make a statement signing at right-wing, following Salah’s exit, and Barcola is capable of playing on that side, as well as through the middle, which would make him a versatile option for Andoni Iraola.
Salah, of course, was a major goal threat throughout his time at Anfield, netting 257 goals, and the PSG star was his side’s top scorer in Ligue 1 last season, averaging 0.57 goals per 90, the second-highest number in the squad.
Moreover, the France international is also a creator, creating 11 big chances in Ligue 1, the joint-second highest in the PSG squad, and he has six goals and nine assists to his name in a total of 43 Champions League matches.
Having proven himself at the very highest level, Barcola could be the ideal signing for a Liverpool side that will be looking to start competing for the top honours once again next season.
