Barcola and Minteh: Inside Liverpool's dream scenario to fix their squad before deadline day

Liverpool enter the final days of the summer transfer window with significant business still to complete, having been held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle United on the opening Premier League weekend — a result that exposed a lack of direct pace in wide areas and a fragile midfield.

Bradley Barcola: The marquee signing

The pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has dominated Liverpool’s summer. The 23-year-old France international has been a top target throughout the window, with PSG understood to be seeking a fee in the region of £130–£140 million. Reports suggest a figure between £111m and £128m could be enough to get the deal done, and crucially, Barcola himself is said to be open to the move.

PSG’s recruitment activity this summer — bringing in Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts — may ease their willingness to sell. For Liverpool, the need is clear. Teenager Rio Ngumoha, deployed on the right wing against Newcastle, was found wanting in that role, though he looks a more natural fit on the left. Barcola’s arrival would give the Reds a genuine wide threat and a senior presence for Ngumoha to learn from.

Yankuba Minteh: Replacing Salah

With Mohamed Salah having departed Anfield this summer, Liverpool have turned to Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh as their preferred option on the right. The Reds have already had bids of around £50m and £60m rejected by Brighton, with the Seagulls valuing the 22-year-old Gambian winger at over £70m. Liverpool are reportedly weighing a third offer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Minteh has already agreed personal terms and is keen on the move. The winger has built a reputation as an aggressive, direct creator across two seasons at Brighton, though his goal return — ten in two years — is an area that will need to improve at a club with Champions League ambitions. He is currently carrying an injury, but at his age, Liverpool would be betting on his development trajectory.

The midfield question

Wide reinforcements alone will not be enough. The draw against Newcastle also highlighted Liverpool’s need for greater stability in midfield, a problem the club has yet to publicly address with a concrete target. That remains the most pressing and unresolved part of their summer rebuild as the deadline approaches.

With less than a week until September 1, Liverpool’s ability to land both Barcola and Minteh — while also addressing the engine room — will define whether this window is considered a success or a missed opportunity.