Liverpool continue to pursue Bradley Barcola as a priority signing this summer
Andoni Iraola has not yet concluded Liverpool’s transfer activity(Image: Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool may find success through a more measured approach in their attempts to sign Bradley Barcola. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker remains the club’s main objective, although no deal has been reached so far.
Andoni Iraola has overseen a quiet transfer period during his initial weeks as Liverpool manager, having only recruited Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo. Jeremy Jacquet has also joined Anfield, but the French player’s transfer was arranged during Arne Slot’s tenure.
The Spanish coach will be hopeful of securing further additions before the transfer deadline on September 1. He has just four days before Liverpool’s Premier League campaign begins on Sunday against Newcastle United.
With speculation that Liverpool might take a bolder approach in their chase for Barcola, Rio Ngumoha is already being lined up for a significant role this season.
Barcola transfer strategy
Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s leading transfer target(Image: Getty Images)
The transfer fee for Barcola continues to be the primary sticking point between PSG and Liverpool, according to sources. The French club had reportedly valued the 23-year-old at £145million, with Liverpool unwilling to meet that asking price.
This has led Liverpool to adopt a patient stance, hoping that PSG’s own recruitment might reduce their valuation of the French player. The Ligue 1 champions have since completed the signings of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, making them more open to selling Barcola.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux [via Liverpool.com] reports that PSG have now reduced their valuation of Barcola, validating Liverpool’s calculated transfer approach.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has cautioned on talkSPORT [via This Is Anfield] that the Premier League club could be taking a risk if they persist with their wait-until-deadline strategy in an attempt to force PSG into lowering their price even more.
Ngumoha role
Rio Ngumoha could be given a new position at Anfield(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images))
Should Barcola move to Anfield, the France international would occupy his favoured left-wing position, which would likely see Ngumoha deployed primarily on the right flank, according to The Times.
Liverpool have not yet secured a permanent replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer, though the 17-year-old is reportedly the leading candidate to fill the Egyptian’s role. Ngumoha has featured regularly on the right wing throughout pre-season and was given a starting spot there in the club’s final friendly against Como on Sunday.
Iraola requires adaptability from his wide players, something he demanded at Bournemouth, where players such as Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara were frequently used across various positions.
Ngumoha has revealed that he has been developing his game on the opposite flank. He stated that the coaching staff have simply instructed him to play his natural game, whether cutting inside or staying wide, and that he has been practising this in training on both sides to become less predictable.