How Liverpool could sign a mini Barcola from within the Premier League

It would be safe to say that Andoni Iraola‘s first transfer window in charge of Liverpool has not exactly been a frantic affair.

A year ago, the Reds went crazy in the market, spending huge sums of money on the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.

This summer, perhaps understandably so, FSG have been more reserved. Still, a big signing is on the cards between now and the end of the window.

PSG superstar Bradley Barcola has been the leading target for weeks, but why?

Why Liverpool need to sign Bradley Barcola

Replacing Mohamed Salah this summer was never going to be easy but with just over a week to go until the window closes, you can forgive Liverpool supporters for getting a bit anxsty.

The Reds may well have welcomed Victor Munoz to the club but more is required, hence why the Reds have been deep in discussions to sign PSG duo Ibrahim Mbaye and the aforementioned Barcola.

In Mbaye, Iraola would be getting his hands on a star of tomorrow. He isn’t going to replace Salah’s output in a hurry.

Barcola, on the other hand, would be an exquisite addition, a player capable of taking the new manager’s team to the next level.

They were impressive a week ago against Como in their final pre-season game but the addition of a superstar wide man would go down a treat before the deadline on September 1st.

While Barcola may not play on the right as Salah did, he could make a similarly devastating impact from the opposite side.

Regarded as one of the best wingers in the world right now, aged just 23 there are very few better options on the market at the moment. In fact, the Frenchman is probably the winger every team would like to sign if they had the money.

Reuters/Caean Couto

Why? Well, it was only a year ago that Barcola had just won the Champions League and contributed enormously. In all competitions, he scored 21 goals and registered a further 21 assists in 2024/25. They are the numbers of an elite winger.

The forward is now a two time Champions League winner but 2025/26 was not quite as productive. Still, Barcola scored 13 times and posted seven assists.

He’s one of the most captivating young attackers in Europe, ranking as highly as the best 3% of wingers in the continent’s top five leagues last term for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes and among the finest 5% for big chances created from open play.

The expectation is that Liverpool finally make inroads on a deal to land Barcola but he should not be the only addition between now and Monday 1st September.

Liverpool could sign a mini Barcola

In Barcola, Liverpool would sign the perfect left winger but work needs to be done to finalise the signing of a right winger.

Who could that player be? Well, Mbaye continues to be linked and there have been reports suggesting Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace is on their radar.

For now, though, the main target on the flank is Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Merseysiders have already seen £50m and £60m bids rejected. The Seagulls are hoping for £70m in order to sell.

The good news as far as Liverpool are concerned is that Minteh has actually already agreed personal terms with the Reds. It is said to be his “dream” to move to Anfield.

So, would Minteh be worth the money? Well, we have to be honest, £70m for a player with just three goals and four assists last term would suggest not. It is indicative of the market Premier League clubs are operating in right now.

That isn’t to say the Gambian doesn’t have some very interesting qualities. Two years ago when Minteh was playing for Feyenoord in the Netherlands at the age of 19, one scout suggested the now Brighton forward “can reach Sadio Mane’s level.”

While his output may not suggest he can get there just yet, his attributes suggest he might. This is a player, who like Barcola, is a wonderful user of the ball in tight spaces. He’s an immense dribbler and someone who will progress the play quickly and efficiently.

The French superstar is certainly the better player. Not many in European football can touch him for end product.

Yet, when it comes to carrying, Minteh is actually a little bit better. He sat among the best 11% of wingers in the top five leagues last season for successful dribbles per 90 minutes and among the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.

This is a player who will cause panic and nightmares for a full-back. Get him one vs one against a defender and it spells danger.

Whether spending such a big sum of money on the Brighton man makes sense remains to be seen. Perhaps it’s better spent elsewhere. Alas, they would be getting their hands on one of the best dribblers in Europe.