Liverpool are intensifying their efforts in the transfer market as they prepare to face Newcastle in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2026/2027 season this Sunday afternoon.
Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool’s primary transfer target throughout the summer months (Image: Ian MacNicol Getty Images)
The Andoni Iraola era officially commences this Sunday when Liverpool make the trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United in their season opener. However, the newly appointed head coach may discover he has largely the same group of players at his disposal.
Despite the summer transfer window winding down to a close on September 1, Liverpool’s recruitment efforts have yet to produce the attacking additions many supporters anticipated seeing take the field in the north east. Victor Munoz, loanee Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jaquet constitute the complete list of newcomers expected to feature in the matchday squad.
The situation has been exacerbated further by Curtis Jones completing a permanent move to Inter Milan over the weekend, leaving the squad depleted in attacking areas.
Time is running out, but Liverpool are working determinedly to finalise moves for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola before the window closes on September 1. Here is a detailed look at the current status of both pursuits.
Barcola deal boost
Liverpool’s sustained interest in Barcola is anticipated to yield results, according to BBC Sport. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has remained a key target for the club throughout the summer transfer period.
The source indicates that while negotiations are progressing slowly, it is highly probable that an agreement between PSG and Liverpool will be reached before the transfer window concludes on September 1.
Barcola could depart PSG this summer (Image: Adam Davy PA Wire)
Ferran Torres and Mika Godts have arrived alongside French forward Maghnes Akliouche as attacking acquisitions at PSG this summer, making Barcola’s departure appear increasingly likely. Speaking on the After Foot podcast, via the ECHO, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins also suggested Liverpool could secure Barcola if certain conditions are satisfied.
He maintains there is no willingness at PSG to retain the young talent, though the primary obstacle continues to be his valuation, with PSG reportedly seeking £145m for the winger. Reports indicate Liverpool have presented verbal proposals, though no official written offers have been submitted as yet.
It has also been suggested that the next formal written offer will be the one to complete the signing, with a fee somewhere between £111m and £128m expected to be sufficient to get a deal done.
Minteh valuation set
The latest developments in Liverpool’s pursuit of Brighton star Minteh have emerged, with the Seagulls reportedly wanting more than £70million for the winger.
Liverpool’s initial £50m offer was rejected, and despite increasing that sum by £10m, a second bid was similarly turned down. The Athletic’s David Ornstein, speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday, indicated that Liverpool’s pursuit of the player definitely stands a chance.
Liverpool have had two bids rejected for Yankuba Minteh (Image: Stu Forster Get
It was noted that Liverpool have alternative options should the valuation for the Gambian international prove unsuitable. He added that Brighton are insisting on a £70m fee with additional add-ons included.
It was subsequently clarified that it remains uncertain whether Liverpool are willing to go that high to secure a deal. Nevertheless, Liverpool could take a chance on the player, according to Ornstein, with Minteh among the most sought-after wingers in the Premier League.