Liverpool news: Andoni Iraola eyes £188m raid as gloomy prediction made by Reds hero

Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy has shifted from cautious to ambitious in the space of a week. After losing Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor and Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur, the Reds have moved quickly to address their squad needs before the Premier League curtain-raiser against Newcastle on 23 August. Now, reports suggest they are targeting a £188m double swoop for two Paris Saint-Germain wingers, with Andoni Iraola’s side set to make a statement before the window slams shut on 1 September.

Why Liverpool’s transfer window has become a race against time

The Reds’ pre-season has been overshadowed by exits. Victor Muñoz and Jeremy Jacquet are the only arrivals so far, while Salah’s departure to Turkey and Robertson’s move to north London have left gaps on both flanks. With the club preparing to face Monaco at Anfield on 9 August, the urgency to act has intensified. The window closes in just over three weeks, and Iraola’s side are already behind schedule.

According to multiple reports, Liverpool are prioritising two PSG players: Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Barcola, the 23-year-old French international, remains the primary target, with Liverpool expected to open talks over a deal reported to be worth around £145m by Mirror Football. Meanwhile, Mbaye—valued at approximately £43m—has emerged as a secondary option, offering cover on either wing. A combined outlay of £188m would represent a seismic investment, but the Reds are running out of alternatives.

The timing is critical. Liverpool’s opening fixture looms, and Iraola’s squad is still unbalanced. The club’s transfer activity has lagged behind rivals, and the pressure to deliver before the deadline is mounting. Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG targets comes as Arsenal finalise a £75m deal for Bruno Guimarães, a move that underscores the Reds’ need to act decisively if they are to keep pace in the transfer arms race.

The players Liverpool want—and why PSG are demanding

Barcola has long been a Liverpool target, with the club’s interest dating back months. The French winger, capped 11 times by his country, offers directness and creativity, qualities that have been missing since Salah’s departure. PSG, however, are not prepared to let him go cheaply. Reports from Mirror Football suggest they are holding firm on their valuation, leaving Liverpool to negotiate hard if they hope to secure his signature.

Mbaye, meanwhile, is a less established but intriguing option. The 18-year-old Senegalese winger joined PSG’s academy in 2018 and has impressed in youth and reserve team football. He made his first-team debut under Luis Enrique earlier this year and has eight goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances for the club. His versatility—capable of playing on either flank—adds to his appeal, though his lack of top-level experience may give Liverpool pause. The valuation of £43m comes from Mirror Football.

PSG’s stance is uncompromising. The club has set firm asking prices for both players, and Liverpool’s willingness to meet those demands will determine whether the deal progresses. The Reds’ financial muscle is no secret, but even they may baulk at the combined cost, particularly with other pressing needs across the squad.

What comes next—and the risks for Liverpool

If Liverpool do pull off the double signing, they will have reshaped their attack in one transfer window. But the risks are substantial. Barcola’s price tag alone is eye-watering, and Mbaye’s youth means he may not be ready to step into a starting role immediately. The Reds’ wage structure is already under scrutiny, and such a splurge could limit their ability to address other positions.

Iraola’s side must also contend with the possibility that PSG will drive a hard bargain. The French club’s recent activity—including the £120m sale of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid—suggests they are prepared to cash in on assets rather than hold out for unrealistic fees. Liverpool’s negotiating position is strong, but they cannot afford to overpay.

The clock is ticking. With just over three weeks left in the window, the Reds must move quickly if they are to secure Barcola, Mbaye, or both. Failure to act decisively could leave Iraola’s squad exposed, and the pressure to deliver will only intensify as the Premier League season approaches.

For Liverpool, this is no longer just about filling gaps—it’s about making a statement. But in a window where every club is desperate to strengthen, the cost of hesitation could be far greater than the price of the players themselves.