Liverpool Echo·3 min read·medium

Liverpool have been given three transfer green lights as targets worth £240m lined up

H
Harry Brent
Liverpool have been given three transfer green lights as targets worth £240m lined up
AI Summary

Liverpool FC is expected to increase transfer activity following a quiet start to the summer window. The club is reportedly targeting PSG forward Bradley Barcola to bolster their attack after the departure of Mohamed Salah.

It's been a surprisingly subdued summer at Liverpool , who have tiptoed out of the starting blocks in the transfer market. While the rest of the Premier League's 'Big Six' have spent over £800m combined on new arrivals, the Reds have largely kept their powder dry. Just two major signings have been completed so far. Forward Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna in a £34.5m deal, while Jeremy Jacquet joined from Rennes for £55m after a transfer that was agreed back in February. The lack of activity is unexpected given the arrival of new head coach Andoni Iraola , who will naturally want to reshape the squad to suit his style of play. Liverpool also face the huge challenge of replacing Mo Salah , whose departure has left a sizeable void in their attack. The club's restrained approach is even more striking when compared to last summer, when they spent a staggering £446m and broke the British transfer record twice. However, with the new campaign now just around the corner, their caution in the transfer market isn't expected to last long. With that in mind, here are four potential Liverpool transfers that could be greenlit this month. PSG star Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool's top target in attack since interest in Yan Diomande - who looks set to join Real Madrid - cooled. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's most exciting forwards, producing an outstanding 34 goals and 28 assists across the last two campaigns in France. Despite that return, Barcola faces fierce competition for a starting place at PSG, with Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue all battling for spots in the front three. The Ligue 1 outfit are also closing in on the signings of Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, increasing competition for a place in the starting XI even more. As such, Barcola is open to moving to a club where he can play a more pivotal role and according to French outlet Le10Sport , he is "thrilled" at the idea of joining Liverpool and is "excited" by Iraola's project. But prising him from PSG's grasp will be no easy task. The ECHO reported last week that talks between the two clubs over potential deal for Barcola are set to begin, with the Ligue 1 giants thought to value the forward at around the £140million mark. Liverpool are hoping to do a deal around the £100m mark, though a compromise in the region of £120m could ultimately be enough to secure the signing. Liverpool ideally need a natural right winger to succeed Salah, and Barcola's preferred position is on the opposite flank. However, the Frenchman's versatility means he is more than capable of operating on either side. More importantly, he's arguably the only wide player currently on the market with the combination of goals, assists and attacking output needed to come close to replacing the numbers Salah delivered year after year. Strengthening at centre back has become a priority for Liverpool following Ibrahima Konate's departure after his contract expired in June. The arrival of Jeremy Jacquet has added depth, but at just 21 and with no Premier League experience, the Frenchman cannot be expected to shoulder that responsibility immediately. What Liverpool need is a defender who can make an instant impact - someone with proven Premier League pedigree, leadership and reliability. Ezri Konsa fits the bill perfectly. The Aston Villa star, who was a key figure for England at the World Cup, has quietly established himself as one of the league's most dependable centre backs. Comfortable in a high defensive line, excellent one-on-one and consistently composed in possession, Konsa is entering the peak years of his career. His versatility is another major plus, with the 28-year-old equally capable of filling in at right back - a position Liverpool are still looking to fully address following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure last summer. Reports suggest Liverpool could test Villa's resolve with a bid in the region of £60m and that they player could be 'open' to leaving Villa Park. It would take a significant offer to tempt the Midlands club into selling one of their most important players, but that figure could prove difficult to ignore for a defender approaching his 30s. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page Liverpool have been linked with a move for versatile Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with a £60m deal potentially on the cards this summer. The Belgium international's versatility is one of his biggest selling points, with the 21-year-old capable of operating as a No. 9, No. 10 or from either wing. According to French outlet L'Equipe , Fernandez-Pardo is pushing for a move away and has handed in a transfer request. Lille, however, are determined to keep hold of the player they signed from Gent for just £8.6m two years ago. Liverpool already have strong options at centre forward, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike providing their two senior striker choices. However, Ekitike's recovery from a serious Achilles injury means he is set to miss the start of the season, leaving Iraola short of reliable attacking depth. Fernandez-Pardo could therefore represent an ideal short-term solution, particularly given his ability to operate across multiple attacking positions. That versatility should ensure he still gets plenty of opportunities even once Ekitike returns to full fitness, making him more than just a temporary injury replacement. Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here

Continue reading on Headlinne

Create a free account to read the full article.

Read full article →
sportsbusiness

Get the full story

Sign up for Headlinne to unlock AI insights, political bias analysis, and your personalized news feed.

Create free account

Already have an account? Sign in

Liverpool have been given three transfer green lights as targets worth £240m lined up — Headlinne — headlinne