The Reds are racing against the clock to reshape their squad as the final week of the summer transfer window approaches. Andoni Iraola’s side have brought in Victor Munoz, loanee Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jaquet so far. While Liverpool have taken a relatively unhurried approach to the market, their business is set to intensify as the deadline looms. Curtis Jones departed Anfield last week, with focus now shifting to incoming signings.
The club have been monitoring PSG attackers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, while a move for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is also on the cards after Liverpool made their move for the winger last week.
The ECHO examines five potential deals the club could complete before the window closes on September 1 at 11pm.
Bradley Barcola
Could this prolonged transfer saga finally conclude this week? According to BBC Sport, Liverpool’s continued chase for Barcola is expected to yield results. The winger has remained a key priority throughout the summer window. The outlet indicates it is very likely that an agreement between PSG and Liverpool will be reached before the deadline.
PSG have recruited Feran Torres, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche as attacking additions this summer, making Barcola’s departure appear inevitable. He has also been left out of Luis Enrique’s PSG squad for recent matches as his situation remains unclear.
Speaking on the After Foot podcast via the ECHO, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins suggested Liverpool could land Barcola if certain conditions are satisfied. Reports indicate the next formal written bid will be the one to complete the deal, with a fee of between £111million and £128m expected to be sufficient.
Yankuba Minteh
Liverpool saw an opening offer of £50m for Brighton winger Minteh turned down last week. Despite increasing that amount by £10m, a second bid was also rejected, though the Reds are reportedly determined to get a deal done before the transfer deadline.
David Ornstein of The Athletic, speaking to TNT Sports at the weekend, indicated the Reds’ pursuit of the player definitely stands a chance, though Liverpool do have alternative options should the asking price remain problematic.
Brighton are reportedly seeking more than £70m for the winger. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports Minteh has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and the player is waiting for Brighton and Liverpool to agree on a fee.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Talk of Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye has cooled somewhat in recent weeks. Like teammate Barcola, the Senegal winger has also been omitted from PSG’s recent matchday squads amid speculation about his future.
According to L’Equipe, Mbaye is believed to have shifted his focus elsewhere as this lengthy transfer saga with Liverpool drags on. The report claims the teenager feels the Reds have prolonged negotiations unnecessarily.
However, there are conflicting reports, and while the fee remains a stumbling block for the Reds, should a deal be reached, the young winger would be willing to move to Anfield.
Cody Gakpo
The future of Dutch forward Gakpo has dominated Liverpool headlines in recent weeks. Tottenham Hotspur are still said to retain an interest in Gakpo, though his fate could depend on whether Liverpool complete deals for Barcola and Minteh.
Fabrizio Romano has stated that Gakpo continues to attract interest from Spurs this summer. This is despite the north London club nearing a double signing of Man City’s Omar Marmoush and Savinho. Ornstein added that while Iraola is content to keep the Liverpool striker, Gakpo will leave Anfield this summer if the Reds sign another winger.
Federico Chiesa
Uncertainty has surrounded Federico Chiesa’s future at Anfield for some time. Reports linking the 28-year-old with moves to Valencia and Inter Milan have emerged in recent days.
Should Liverpool succeed in bringing Barcola, Minteh or Mbaye to Anfield, Chiesa would likely be considered excess to requirements.
However, speaking in pre-season, the Italian forward made his position clear. He said that at the moment he is happy at Liverpool, that he loves the club, the fans and everything, that he is doing his best to earn his chance and that the only thing he was thinking about was Liverpool.