Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Bradley Barcola – and at the same time want to hijack PSG comet Ibrahim Mbaye in a sensational double buy.
Liverpool have turned all their attention to Barcola after they lost rival Yan Diomande, who first opted for PSG before Real Madrid snatched him from under their noses. Barcola wants to go to Anfield, after being promised more playing time by new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola.
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PSG are preparing for the 23-year-old’s exit by targeting Maghnes Akliouche at Monaco and Mika Godts at Ajax as replacements.
Closer to agreement – but still far from the finish line
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that Liverpool have started “official club-to-club talks” with PSG about Barcola. But the parties started far apart in the valuation of the winger.
Liverpool began by offering €100 million (£86 million). PSG, on the other hand, are hoping for a staggering €150 million (£128.5 million).
Now, Liverpool have signalled that they are ready to increase to £100 million – around €117 million – to close the deal, according to BBC Sport. The Reds are thus getting closer to an agreement, but there is still work to be done.
Personal terms with Barcola are not expected to be an issue – if the clubs agree on the price, the transfer could go reasonably quickly.
The double coup: Mbaye also on the radar
Liverpool are trying to renew their kit with an impressive double signing – both Barcola and Mbaye.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool have already made contact with PSG for Mbaye. The 18-year-old impressed greatly for Senegal during the World Cup, and prefers to play on the right wing – unlike Barcola who prefers the left. Thus, Liverpool will strengthen both sides of the attack.
On Tuesday evening, Fabrizio Romano gave the following update about Mbaye:
– Liverpool have made contact with Ibrahima Mbaye’s new agent, Jorge Mendes. Mbaye also has offers from Bundesliga clubs – but gives priority to Liverpool’s project. The deal was close with Leipzig, but collapsed after Diomande’s transfer to PSG. Conversations will continue.
Could be the big scoop of the summer
With two young, explosive wingers coming in, Liverpool can seriously renew their offensive. Barcola has established itself as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, while Mbaye represents the future. The question is whether Liverpool will be able to close both deals – and whether PSG will eventually bow to the price.
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