Liverpool close in on £122m Barcola signing despite Newcastle midfield and defensive concerns

Liverpool are on the verge of completing a reported £122m deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, a signing that would hand manager Andoni Iraola three forwards each costing in excess of £100m — even as the club’s 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last Sunday laid bare structural problems elsewhere in the squad.

The Reds lined up at Newcastle with Alexander Isak leading the attack, flanked by Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, with Florian Wirtz operating as the team’s playmaker. The German was substituted on the hour after another unconvincing display, while Gakpo — the player most heavily linked with a departure this summer — was their standout performer.

Barcola’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain would complete a formidable front line on paper, but the Newcastle result raised pointed questions about what surrounds it. Both of Newcastle’s goals came on the counter-attack, highlighting a lack of defensive solidity in Liverpool’s midfield. Their two full-backs have also drawn scrutiny: effective in possession and in the final third, but yet to fully convince when defending in transition.

The £122m outlay on Barcola comes as Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, suggesting Iraola’s squad-building ambitions extend beyond a single marquee addition. Whether the club’s summer spending addresses the balance issues exposed at St James’ Park, or simply adds further firepower to an already attack-heavy roster, remains the central question heading into the new season.