Liverpool have completed the transfer of France international striker Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain – in a deal worth up to £123 million. And the Anfield management is not done yet – two more signings are close to being settled.
The Reds have secured the 23-year-old for a base fee of £106 million, plus a further £17 million in potential bonuses. However, it is a long way from the £145 million PSG demanded earlier in the window.
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Barcola has signed a five-year contract and will thus be Liverpool’s fifth signing this summer – after winger Victor Munoz and defenders Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Barcola: “One of my biggest dreams”
“It took a long time, but I’m really happy to be able to play for Liverpool today. All I want is to get out on the pitch and play,” Barcola said.
“I hope to achieve great things. First and foremost, to win the Premier League – that’s one of my biggest dreams in life.
“The goal is to do just that – and to stay in this team over time. That’s why I signed a long contract. I hope I can do it.
Barcola, who will wear the number 29 shirt at Anfield, is a natural left winger – but can play across the entire attacking line. It comes at a convenient time as Liverpool are still considering selling Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.
Van Dijk: “He wants to be a part of this”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who spoke out after Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest about the imminent signing, revealed that the lure from Anfield is too good to refuse.
The Dutchman said:
“He’s a good player, that’s the only thing I can say.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know we’re in a transition phase.
“Either you want to be a part of it – or you don’t. The window is open until Tuesday, right? We’ll see what happens.
“He’s a player with speed. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here, he’ll be greeted with open arms.
Two new agreements on the way
While Van Dijk waits to see what happens before the window closes, Fabrizio Romano has good news on that front.
The transfer insider reports that two new Liverpool deals are close to being finalized before Tuesday’s deadline at 23:00.
Firstly, the Reds have agreed a deal for highly-rated goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk – worth around £30 million. Romano also hints at what this now means for Giorgi Mamardashvili.
In addition, Romano has given his famous “here we go” stamp on the signing of Saint-Étienne’s great attacking talent Djylian N’Guessan.
Anfield management have also decided whether to follow up on their interest in Ismaila Sarr – after Crystal Palace increased the price of the winger.
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