Liverpool continue their due diligence on a potential mammoth deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola<\/p>\n
Mohamed Salah’s absence at Liverpool is a hole that has yet to be filled. The need of a marquee signing to replace the Egyptian icon has been a key priority for Reds boss Andoni Iraola from the moment he arrived at Anfield last month.<\/p>\n
Yet, the position has yet to be filled. However, progress on that front was made over the last week after it had emerged that key target Bradley Barcola refused to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old is fresh off an impressive World Cup campaign with France, where he scored three goals on their way to the semi-finals of the competition. Among the most in-demand players this summer, Barcola could also be one of the most expensive with PSG reportedly placing a \u00a3140million valuation on the winger.<\/p>\n
The Reds are unwilling to match that price, which would constitute a club-record transfer, and are hoping to reach a compromise with the French champions. The ECHO understands talks between the two clubs have yet to be opened.<\/p>\n
Primarily a left-winger, Barcola would likely be used on the right of attack too with the Reds not expected to sign another winger if they acquire the Frenchman. The forward has played on the right flank 37 times in his career, scoring seven goals and providing 15 assists.<\/p>\n
That leaves the left-wing spot a three-way battle between Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz. Gakpo may outrank the two youngsters in terms of seniority but is less suited to Iraola’s high-pressing style of play.<\/p>\n
A starting role for Liverpool this upcoming season could come too soon for the 17-year-old Ngumoha. Given his extraordinary ability, the Reds will be managing his load closely in order not to overexert him physically.<\/p>\n
That could lead to Munoz – who joined the club in a \u00a334million deal last month – to become a starter for the Premier League side, following his World Cup triumph with Spain this summer.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old usually plays on the left but, like Barcola, is extremely versatile across the front three. He played 18 games for Osasuna last season on the left and made 10 appearances on the right with four more games coming up top.<\/p>\n
The duo’s ability to play across the frontline will give Iraola the ability to rotate among his forwards and add a tinge of unpredictability to his side’s attacking system.<\/p>\n
Both players will be expected to shoulder some of the goalscoring responsibility, as is the duty of the modern-day winger. However, the majority of that responsibility will be held by Alexander Isak.<\/p>\n
The Swede suffered a dismal first season with just four goals in 22 games across all competitions. Fitness and injury hampered his campaign but after competing – and scoring – in the World Cup, the 26-year-old will be ready to showcase the form that prompted the Reds to spend \u00a3125m on his services last year.<\/p>\n
It’s a stark contrast to the heavily disrupted summer Isak had this time last year. And he’ll essentially be like a new signing for Iraola as a result.<\/p>\n
Isak’s level of finishing and ability to link up with his team-mates, namely Florian Wirtz, gives the Reds a unique presence up top and one that could make them a key contender for the biggest trophies.<\/p>\n
Liverpool’s forward options at this moment in time still has a lot of questions left to be deserved. But, should Iraola manage to clinch his dream Liverpool dream attack, the rest of the league will no doubt be on notice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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