Transfer Developments at Anfield
Liverpool are reportedly continuing their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with new offers expected in the coming days. This comes as midfielder Curtis Jones appears close to a move to Inter Milan, with reports indicating he is set for a medical today.
Barcola is considered a primary target for Liverpool, particularly as a long-term successor for Mohamed Salah. Negotiations for the France international have been ongoing, with personal terms reportedly agreed earlier in the summer. PSG’s valuation of Barcola has been a point of discussion, with Liverpool having made an official offer of €115 million (£98 million).
Despite the offer, PSG’s stated valuation remains €170 million (£145 million). Barcola has reportedly turned down contract talks with PSG and is in the final two years of his current deal. He was also left out of PSG’s UEFA Super Cup and French Super Cup matches, which some see as an indication of his potential departure.
Meanwhile, the situation with Jones seems to be progressing. Inter Milan reportedly met Liverpool’s demands with a £30 million offer. Jones is expected to fly in today to complete his medical ahead of a move to the San Siro. He is available for a reduced fee as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, potentially ending his 16-year association with Liverpool. Liverpool have reportedly included a 10 per cent sell-on clause in any future transfer involving Jones.
Other Player Movements and Interests
The potential exit of Jones has reportedly revived Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton, who is reportedly valued at around £80 million, has been linked with Liverpool in previous transfer windows. Fresh speculation arose after Wharton purchased a signed Steven Gerrard shirt from the 2005 Champions League final celebrations.
Another player whose future is under discussion is Cody Gakpo. Tottenham continues to show strong interest in Gakpo, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the north London club. However, satisfying Liverpool’s valuation, reportedly in excess of £70 million, remains a significant hurdle. Reports suggest Tottenham might be waiting for Liverpool to potentially sign Barcola before making a concrete offer for Gakpo.
Tottenham’s interest in Manchester City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush could impact their pursuit of Gakpo. Savinho alone is reportedly valued at £85 million. If Tottenham secures these players, it could limit funds for a move for Gakpo. However, Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Tottenham still plans to pursue Gakpo.
In other transfer news, Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye has reportedly scaled back. While it was suggested earlier in the summer that Liverpool might sign both Barcola and Mbaye, reports from France indicate that Liverpool has decided the 18-year-old does not currently fit their requirements. PSG has also made a decision not to use Barcola and Mbaye while their futures remain unresolved, suggesting both players may have played their last games for the club.
Spanish side Levante is reportedly leading the chase to sign Liverpool’s Ifeanyi Ndukwe on loan. The 18-year-old cannot play for Liverpool this season due to not securing a work visa. Ndukwe prominently featured at centre-back during pre-season after Joe Gomez was injured and Jeremy Jacquet was regaining full fitness.
Additionally, Liverpool and several other clubs are reportedly interested in 19-year-old Boca Juniors attacking midfielder and left winger Tomas Aranda. Aranda has a release clause at Boca Juniors.
Club Investment and Season Outlook
A consortium including Amazon boss Jeff Bezos has agreed to invest in Liverpool, taking a share of almost 40% in the club. 1892 Holdings, led by former Queens Park Rangers director Amit Bhatia, will assume a minority equity stake after negotiations with owners Fenway Sports Group. The consortium is taking a 38% stake.
Liverpool is set to open their Premier League season at Newcastle on Sunday. The remaining days of the transfer window are expected to provide clarity on several ongoing transfer discussions.
Emmanuel Petit believes Liverpool needs Barcola more than Arsenal, especially to strengthen their wide areas. He noted that Liverpool has had issues on the left flank since the start of last season. Petit also suggested that even with Barcola, securing a top-four finish this season could be challenging for Liverpool under new manager Andoni Iraola, given what he perceives as current gaps in the squad.
The transfer window has less than two weeks remaining for these issues to be resolved.
Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk