This summer is very special for Liverpool. The disappointing season that ended in May led to a coaching change for the “Reds,” with Arne Slot stepping down—despite having won the Premier League in his first season—and Anthony Iraola taking his place.
The biggest change for the Merseyside team, however, was the departure of Mohamed Salah after nine years. The “Pharaoh” left his mark on Anfield and departed as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having won it all.
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The void he leaves behind seems impossible to fill, both on the field and in terms of his role as Liverpool’s “standard-bearer” in recent years.
The “Reds” have made just two signings so far: the acquisition of Víctor Muñoz and the loan signing of Ronald Araújo. The Merseyside club decided to take a different approach than last year, when it signed several big-name players over the summer, but almost none of them lived up to expectations, with the team seeming… disorganized due to the many new additions.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s roster, as it stands at the moment, has weaknesses, and there is a need to strengthen certain positions. The main position that requires an immediate transfer is on the wings. While Salah’s absence may not be easily filled, a replacement is necessary, as options are limited.
Merseyside’s main target for quite some time has been Bradley Barcola, though the situation has remained at a standstill, even after the end of the World Cup.
However, the outcome of the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa brought… smiles to Liverpool. Barkola didn’t play a single minute in the match, and according to British media reports, he is unhappy with this situation.
He knows he’s low on the pecking order, with Doué, Kvaratskhelia, and Dembélé forming the European champions’ starting attacking trio; however, the fact that he wasn’t used for even a single minute troubled him even more.
The international attacking midfielder is seriously considering leaving the French club, and the prospect of joining Liverpool interests him. The “Reds” are rubbing their hands together in anticipation of the latest developments and are expected to step up their efforts to sign the talented Frenchman.
They are likely to submit a formal offer to Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days, with time running out, as their Premier League opener is just 10 days away.
*photo source: AP
