Liverpool and Bradley Barcola: Lewis Steele Expects PSG Move to Accelerate
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola appears to have reached a decisive stage, with time becoming an increasingly important factor as discussions continue over the PSG forward.
Speaking to Dave Davis on the latest Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele repeatedly pointed towards this week as a potentially significant period in Liverpool’s attempts to bring the France international to Anfield.
With the transfer window moving towards its conclusion, Steele believes movement between Liverpool and PSG now has to come quickly.
Liverpool facing crucial week in Barcola pursuit
Davis raised the Bradley Barcola situation after discussing the reports surrounding his PSG future and the expectation that Liverpool could present another proposal.
For Steele, the timing is becoming increasingly clear.
“I think that it’s going to be this week.”
He immediately strengthened that assessment, adding:
“It’s got to be this week.”
Steele explained that the information surrounding the situation points towards another Liverpool approach and the possibility of the clubs finding an agreement.
“All the noise suggests that a second bid or a more official proposal and for the clubs to sort of meet in the middle is something that may happen.”
He also highlighted the willingness surrounding the prospective transfer.
“We know every everyone in the all parties desire is to make a move happen.”
For Liverpool, that willingness now needs to translate into action.
PSG talks need to start moving
The transfer has been discussed for several weeks without the decisive breakthrough that would take Bradley Barcola from PSG to Liverpool.
Steele acknowledged how long the process has lasted, while making it clear that the approaching deadline changes the urgency.
“The worry is that the clock is ticking and they just need to get moving.”
He added:
“Hopefully it’ll be for the second game.”
Liverpool’s search for an attacking addition has clearly become one of the major issues surrounding the final weeks of the window.
Steele said:
“Liverpool have been after this fabled winger for what feels like five years now.”
His expectation remained that developments should arrive shortly.
“Let’s just see what happens in the next 48 hours. But I think it’ll start moving soon.”
Photo: IMAGO
Barcola preference could prove important for Liverpool
Davis also asked about the possibility of another club entering the race, with reports surrounding Arsenal forming part of the discussion.
Steele accepted that another club attempting to intervene remains possible.
“Yeah, I think obviously hijacked always possible.”
The key issue, in his view, would be convincing the player to choose somewhere else.
Steele compared the situation with previous Liverpool transfers where the preference of the player proved significant.
“Those players wanted to join Liverpool. And it feels like that’s the same now with with Barcola.”
That leaves the financial agreement between Liverpool and PSG as the central issue discussed on Media Matters.
“It’s just a case of putting the money on the table and signing the contracts, doing the medical, and then it’ll all be all be rosy.”
Steele conceded that the lengthy process has tested patience.
“It’s been going on and on forever. It’s got got quite boring at this stage but hopefully it’ll have an exciting conclusion.”
Liverpool running out of time
Later in the podcast, Steele returned to Bradley Barcola when discussing how much business Liverpool still have to complete.
His message was emphatic.
“It simply just has to happen this week because otherwise then they completely run out of time.”
Steele added that if Liverpool fail to step up their activity over the coming days, the calendar itself becomes a problem.
“If it’s if it’s not stepped up in the next seven days, you’re suddenly thinking, well, it’s the 25th of August and and who knows what there’s not much time left, is there?”
His conclusion summed up the situation surrounding Liverpool, Bradley Barcola and PSG.
“So, it’s it simply just has to happen. Things have to step up.”
After weeks of discussion, Steele’s assessment on Anfield Index was consistent throughout, Liverpool’s pursuit now needs tangible progress, and he expects this week to provide it.