With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but wrapped up, the question remains as to just where the exciting German will line up in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, amid his mega-money arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old’s time in the Bundesliga – which yielded 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen in all competitions – saw him operate in a number ten berth, or off the left flank, thus handing Slot something to think about heading into next season.
An educated guess would suggest that the youngster is being brought in with the view of replacing Dominik Szoboszlai in a central role, with the workmanlike Hungarian only registering eight goals and nine assists across all fronts last term.
Should that prove to be the case, there is still a headache to be solved on the left flank, not least with both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo having been linked with exits in recent weeks.
Whether or not the Premier League-winning duo do depart, there is still a need to acquire a nailed-on first-choice in that wide berth – something which could happen if recent speculation is to be believed.
Liverpool targeting move for a new winger
While signing a new centre-forward also remains a priority for Slot and co, it would appear that there is also a focus on strengthening on the flanks, with long-term target Anthony Gordon still seemingly on the agenda.
Further reports have also claimed that Liverpool could be in the mix for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, amid the Brazilian’s uncertain future at the Bernabeu, albeit with it yet to be seen what role the Brazilian will have under new boss, Alonso.
More recently, meanwhile, it has been reported that the Reds are plotting a move for Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Bradley Barcola, with the Premier League champions said to be ready to rival Bayern Munich for the Frenchman’s signature.
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The belief is that Liverpool could continue to spend big even after Wirtz’s arrival, with it likely set to require an offer of over £100m to prise Barcola from the Parc des Princes, after just two seasons in Paris.
For a player who cost £38m amid his move from Lyon in the summer of 2023, the Ligue 1 side would be making a sizeable profit on the 22-year-old if that asking price is met.
The question now is, would Barcola really be worth £100m?
Why Barcola would be a good signing for Liverpool
After a quiet year or so on the transfer front, with Federico Chiesa the only senior arrival last summer, the Merseysiders have sprung into life this time around, with the marquee move for Wirtz showcasing that they aren’t afraid to splash the cash.
Like Wirtz, Barcola would be a long-term addition who can also make an immediate impact, such is his quality at such a young age, having been hailed as “one of the most exciting talents in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Yes, he may have been somewhat overshadowed by Champions League final hero, Desire Doue, of late, although the ex-Lyon starlet is a devastating asset in his own right, as evident by his moment of magic in that Munich showpiece.
Picking the ball up just inside the Inter Milan half, the wing wizard delightfully surged his way into the opposition penalty area, before producing an exquisite drag back that left the goal gaping.
Sadly for those of a PSG persuasion, they were denied what would have been “one of THE great Champions League goals” – as per TNT’s Darren Fletcher – as Barcola hit the side netting, albeit with the build-up alone illustrating just what a talent he is.
That was no flash in the pan either, with the £100m man having been in stunning form throughout 2024/25, after registering 40 goals and assists in 58 games in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.
For comparison, the aforementioned Gakpo recorded ‘just’ 25 goals and assists during Liverpool’s title-winning season, with only four of those having come in Europe’s premier competition.
Non-penalty goals
0.47
0.47
Assists
0.39
0.20
Shot-creating actions
4.24
3.83
Pass completion
81.9%
75.1%
Progressive passes
3.33
2.66
Progressive carries
5.45
3.13
Successful take-ons
1.74
1.45
Touches in opposition box
8.95
5.35
Progressive passes received
15.17
12.77
As evidenced above too, when comparing the duo across the last 365 days, it is Barcola who comes out on top across a string of metrics, namely assists, progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area – further outlining why he could enhance Slot’s forward line.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
To further rubberstamp the point, Barcola already has 54 goals and assists to his name in just 97 games for his current side, while Gakpo is only just ahead on 58 goal involvements, despite playing 128 times for the Reds.
The Dutchman has, of course, proven a hit at Anfield amid his role in Slot’s debut season heroics, but if the club are keen to kick on again and cement their domestic dominance, then a figure like Barcola may be just what is needed.
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