Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of submitting a fresh bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with a move potentially coming together this week.
Liverpool correspondent Lewis Steele has indicated that the Reds are prepared to present an official proposal imminently, with a reported £115m fee believed to be sufficient to get the deal done.
“They’re prepared to bid again. I fully expect – in the next few days – LFC to bid again, present an official proposal and continue these direct conversations. I think that it’s going to be this week,” Steele said.
The 23-year-old Frenchman has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents during his time at PSG, with only Ousmane Dembele surpassing his 34-goal return over the past two seasons.
Barcola’s explosive physical profile further underlines his elite potential, with the winger clocking a top speed of 34.4 km/h in the Champions League last season, placing him in the top 2% of players for highest speed.
Liverpool fans may find comfort in comparisons being drawn between Barcola and club legend Fernando Torres, who was also 23 when he signed for the Reds from Atletico Madrid in a £20m deal back in 2007.
Torres had finished as Atletico’s top scorer for five consecutive seasons before his move to Anfield, where he went on to achieve individual greatness and become one of the most celebrated strikers in the club’s history.
The need for a marquee forward has intensified following the departure of Mohamed Salah, who managed 12 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season before leaving the club.
Liverpool’s transfer business has not moved quickly enough for many fans, with The Athletic’s Premier League survey registering a 58% optimism score for the club, making them officially the most pessimistic fanbase in the division.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has also been in discussions over PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, though multiple sources have suggested Liverpool do not believe a deal is achievable given PSG’s demand of around £43m for the 18-year-old.
Curtis Jones is set to depart for Inter Milan, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola with limited options in central midfield, with 18-year-old Trey Nyoni expected to step up as a replacement.
Hugo Ekitike leads Liverpool’s scoring charts with 17 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions, though the club have been without him through injury for a period this season.
Barcola represents the kind of dynamic, high-octane wide attacker who could replicate the impact Torres had when he first arrived on Merseyside, bringing pace, creativity and goal threat in equal measure.
The transfer window closes in less than two weeks, placing significant pressure on Hughes to deliver the statement signings Liverpool supporters have been waiting for all summer.