Despite the heavy spending over recent seasons at Anfield, Liverpool have ultimately struggled to replace the goals of former fan-favourite Sadio Mané.
The Senegalese international spent six years on the books on Merseyside, subsequently featuring 269 times and finding the back of the net on 120 occasions.
He was part of the deadly front three alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino, with the trio arguably being one of the division’s best-ever attacking forces.
However, Andoni Iraola has not had the same luxury after taking the reins on Merseyside, but it appears as though he’s been backed heavily by the hierarchy after the latest transfer development.
How Barcola can inject needed quality into Liverpool’s attack
After months of ongoing negotiations between PSG and Liverpool, it appears as though a deal for left-winger Bradley Barcola is finally edging towards completion.
The Frenchman has been a long-standing transfer target for the Reds this window, but this morning’s update has shed light on how close a deal for the 23-year-old is.
It’s been reported that a fixed £100m fee has been agreed between the two clubs, with £20m in future add-ons taking the deal to a total package of £120m.
Whilst such a figure is yet another mammoth sum invested by the hierarchy, it’s one which could add the needed quality to Iraola’s frontline for the 2026/27 campaign and beyond.
|
Bradley Barcola – goals by season in his career |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Games |
Goals |
|
2021/22 |
13 |
0 |
|
2022/23 |
31 |
7 |
|
2023/24 |
42 |
5 |
|
2024/25 |
58 |
21 |
|
2025/26 |
55 |
13 |
Barcola ended the previous campaign with 13 goals across all competitions, subsequently helping Luis Enrique’s men claiming a second successive Champions League title.
He registered six goal contributions in 16 matches in such a competition, subsequently possessing the experience needed to help Liverpool fight for titles in Europe’s biggest competition.
The French international even netted 21 goals in the year prior, which only adds to the argument that he has world-class quality within attacking areas – something which was lacking against Newcastle United.
How Liverpool can land the next Sadio Mane after Barcola
Despite the pending move for Barcola, Liverpool boss Iraola will still crave added reinforcements within the final third before the window slams shut on Tuesday evening.
Yankuba Minteh has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, but his £80m asking price has proved to be a stumbling block – with other options now being considered.
As a result, Crystal Palace right-winger Ismaïla Sarr has emerged as another option for the Reds, with a potential deal being a possibility before the window closes.
It’s been reported by The Independent that Iraola’s men are still continuing to pursue the Senegalese international after having an opening offer of £50m rejected.
The report states the Reds see him as an excellent alternative to Minteh, with the hierarchy said to be willing to return to the table despite failing with their first bid.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 28-year-old could cost in the closing stages of the window, but Galatasaray could provide late competition given their own interest.
He would emulate Mane in joining the Reds from a less-established Premier League outfit, whilst reaching the next level in his career and proving to be worth every penny of the investment.
His stats from last season showcase his quality within the final third, which could see him emulate his compatriot upon any move to Merseyside this window.
He netted nine goals in just 28 league appearances last term, subsequently showcasing his phenomenal ability to deliver the goods within the attacking third of the pitch.
Sarr’s average of 0.4 goals per 90 in the Premier League last season placed him above any player at Anfield – also placing him above 85% of other players in his position across Europe.
Few teams were able to live with his direct nature and speed within attacking areas, which saw him draw an impressive tally of 1.7 fouls won per 90 last term.
Along with his goalscoring ability, Sarr also caught the eye with his chance creation ability, which saw him lay on 1.5 opportunities for his teammates per 90 in 2025/26.
The ability to go alone or tee up a teammate will be a vital asset for Iraola’s system, which could also see him emulate Mane in being a constant threat in attacking areas at Anfield.
His form has seen him gain huge praise from pundits all across the country, with former coach Mady Toure even claiming during his days at Watford that he could become “one of the best players in England.” Well, several years on, he has lived up to that billing. In 2026, he is certainly one of the best that the Premier League has to offer.
It’s unclear how much more money would be required to get a deal over the line, but it’s a move which could see the Reds land a proven Premier League attacking star.
The similarity between the Senegalese star and his compatriot are there for all to see, with the 28-year-old able to be an immediate hit with the supporters at Anfield.
