Liverpool latest: Bradley Barcola makes transfer decision as World Cup star agrees switch
Liverpool could be about to accelerate their transfer business this summer
With Liverpool’s pre-season preparations firmly underway, the club’s efforts in the transfer market are gaining renewed momentum. Up to this point, however, the Merseyside outfit has managed to finalise only a single addition to their squad, acquiring Victor Munoz from Osasuna.
The Anfield faithful have become noticeably anxious about the team’s apparent inactivity during a crucial summer window where key departures, such as Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate, urgently need replacing. Fortunately for the supporters, the sluggish pace finally appears ready to accelerate.
For the majority of the current window, the Reds have been heavily linked with high-profile swoops for Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. There has now been significant updates regarding both potential deals, presenting head coach Andoni Iraola with a combination of positive news and potential setbacks.
Barcola makes decision
Liverpool target Bradley Barcola has signalled his desire to depart reigning European champions PSG. The Reds have been pursuing the winger for a considerable period, and French publication Mercato has reported that the player, who has two years remaining on his Paris contract, is no longer engaged in discussions with his club regarding fresh terms.
A significant hurdle for Liverpool, though, is the eye-watering price tag PSG have attached to the attacker. PSG maintain that a staggering £140million represents a reasonable assessment of his worth, given his standing and the current market conditions, pointing to Morgan Rogers’ recent transfer to Chelsea.
The Daily Mail has reported that the Reds are attempting to negotiate a compromise on the £140m asking price, with the France international willing to enter discussions with Liverpool. Liverpool turned their attention to Barcola as they seek a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed the club this summer.
Their pursuit of Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig proved unsuccessful, with the winger now seemingly heading to Real Madrid instead.
Yan Diomande edges closer to move
Madrid have reportedly struck an agreement in principle to land Liverpool transfer target Diomande. The Spanish giants have reached a deal to sign the Ivory Coast international from Leipzig, having finally come to terms with the Bundesliga outfit.
Liverpool had been strongly linked with a move for the 19-year-old and explored the possibility of a deal earlier in the window. However, the Reds were reluctant to match Leipzig’s valuation for the World Cup star, with an £85m offer rebuffed and no subsequent bid forthcoming.
PSG were also in the running amid reports that Diomande had agreed personal terms, though they ultimately fell short on the transfer fee. Real’s £85.4m bid for Diomande was similarly knocked back by Leipzig on Friday.
Los Blancos have since returned with a second offer and talks are ongoing, according to talkSPORT. Diomande is understood to have already agreed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.
