Liverpool have begun preparing a formal approach for Bradley Barcola, the Paris Saint-Germain winger who is their top transfer target this summer. The wheels are in motion, and Liverpool want to do the deal at around £100million — though PSG have indicated they value the Frenchman at around £145m.

Bringing in Barcola would be a statement signing and significantly boost an attacking line that is depleted following the exit of Mohamed Salah and the long-term loss of Hugo Ekitike to injury. The priority all summer has been to strengthen the wide positions, and Barcola, who typically plays on the left, would certainly address that need.

Tour Round-Up and Injury Concerns

The team rounded off a busy three-match tour in the United States and will continue preparations ahead of the new Premier League season back on Merseyside. Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch were all given a first run-out of the summer, while a number of youngsters continued to impress.

However, Joe Gomez picked up an injury and will miss the start of the season — a significant blow given that Conor Bradley is also out for a lengthy period and Gomez has struggled to stay fit for years. A durable and versatile right-sided defender would be a useful addition. Centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are also recovering from injuries and need time to settle in.

Curtis Jones Attracts Inter Interest

Inter have informed Liverpool they would be prepared to pay €35million for Curtis Jones, who only has a year left on his deal. If Jones leaves, a new midfielder must be signed to boost that department. The midfield area could also do with a boost unless Trey Nyoni is given more first-team game time.

The Gakpo Situation

Cody Gakpo is admired by several clubs, including Tottenham, although there is no intention at Liverpool to sell. Losing both Gakpo and Salah in the same window would remove a large chunk of Liverpool's threat from wide areas, and new head coach Andoni Iraola has not yet had a chance to work with the Dutchman.

Gakpo was a frustrating watch at times throughout last season, but his nose for a goalscoring opportunity cannot be denied. Only seven wide players averaged more touches in the opposition penalty area than his 2.2 per 90 minutes in 2025-26, while he also ranked inside the top 10 for chances created and shots from open play. Some fans felt he was too predictable, frequently choosing to cut inside onto his right foot, but he showed at the World Cup for the Netherlands that he is capable of mixing his game up.

Potential Departures

There are the curious cases of Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. Both say they're happy at the club, but unless Iraola sees something others have missed, they're likely going to struggle for game time and may need to move on to further their careers.

Many of the younger players who joined the pre-season tour are expected to leave on loan. Ifeanyi Nduwke will be one of those, after failing to qualify for a UK work permit. Luke Chambers, Callum Scanlon, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Kieran Morrison all have plenty of interest, but goalkeeper Harvey Davies will stick around until at least January as cover and is expected to see his contract extended.