Liverpool transfer latest: Barcola talks gather pace as defensive concerns remain ahead of new season

Liverpool are preparing to open formal talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola as Andoni Iraola’s side continue reshaping the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The Reds are making a wide forward their priority target following the departure of Mohamed Salah, with Barcola emerging as the leading candidate to strengthen the attack. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have already held preliminary discussions with the France international’s representatives and are now ready to submit an opening offer to PSG.

The 23-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract and is understood to be frustrated by a lack of regular playing time in Paris. Liverpool believe the opportunity to become a key player under Iraola could appeal to Barcola, although PSG are reportedly valuing the player at between €150m and €170m, a figure that remains a significant obstacle to any deal.

Iraola identifies key attacking target

Barcola has been on Liverpool’s radar for several years and fits the profile Iraola is believed to favour: a quick, energetic winger capable of pressing aggressively and attacking defenders one-on-one. The Spaniard’s previous teams at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano were built around high-intensity wide players, making Barcola a potentially important piece of Liverpool’s tactical rebuild.

The club also explored a move for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, but PSG are now considered favourites to complete that transfer. Liverpool’s focus has therefore shifted firmly towards Barcola.

Defensive depth remains a concern

Despite renewed speculation linking Liverpool with central defenders, the club’s recruitment plans are currently unchanged. The priority remains signing a winger rather than adding another centre-back, even though injuries have left Iraola short of options in defence.

Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of the Premier League campaign with a muscle injury suffered during pre-season, while other defensive concerns have forced Liverpool to rely heavily on younger players during their United States tour. Virgil van Dijk is due to return to training this week, and summer signing Jeremy Jacquet is nearing full fitness after recovering from a shoulder problem.

Iraola has praised the performances of academy defenders Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, but acknowledged that the squad is currently “pretty thin” in central defence.

Set-piece problems resurface

Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago has also highlighted familiar defensive issues. The Reds threw away a 2-0 lead, with two of Leeds’ goals coming from Ethan Ampadu long throws, reviving memories of last season when Liverpool conceded a league-high 20 goals from set pieces.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted after the match that the team must improve dramatically in defensive situations.

“Now we know we conceded two goals from set pieces, we have to take care of them more,” he said. “Everyone has to do their job.”

Iraola described the Leeds defeat as “the most useful game of pre-season”, insisting that the performance provided valuable lessons before the new campaign begins in less than three weeks.

Positive signs despite setback

There were encouraging moments in Chicago despite the collapse. Florian Wirtz impressed during his first 45 minutes back in action, while highly rated teenager Trey Nyoni continued to strengthen his case for increased first-team involvement this season.

Harvey Elliott has also spoken positively about Iraola’s arrival, describing the new regime as a “second chance” after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa.

“The intensity we need is back,” Szoboszlai said earlier in the tour, suggesting that the squad is already adapting to the demands of the new coaching staff.

Liverpool now return to England for the final phase of pre-season preparations, with friendlies against Monaco and Como still to come before the Premier League opener. Whether Barcola becomes the headline signing of Iraola’s first summer at Anfield may depend on PSG’s willingness to lower their valuation, but Liverpool’s determination to reinforce the attack is becoming increasingly clear.