Liverpool's attack overhaul stalls over double‑deal demand

Liverpool have been forced to confront a glaring shortage in attack after finishing fifth in the Premier League – a season after winning the title – and the Anfield side’s bid for a summer signing has now collapsed, reportedly after a £60 million price tag proved too steep.

Double‑deal ambition

Andoni Iraola has identified the attack as his biggest concern, noting that Mohamed Salah remains unreplaced. The Anfield side therefore floated the idea of a joint acquisition of Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola to inject versatility across the front line.

Paris Saint‑Germain’s summer influx of forwards left both players available, though neither was Liverpool’s first‑choice. Barcola’s price was reported at around £60 million, while Mbaye was valued at €55 million. Abdellah Boulma wrote on X: “As expected, Ibrahim Mbaye will leave PSG… The deal, estimated at €55 M, is nearly finalized. Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in the player.” David Ornstein noted that Aston Villa are also close to securing the young Parisian.

PSG, however, rejected the joint operation, insisting the two transfers be negotiated separately. Consequently, Liverpool withdrew from the £60 million pursuit of Barcola, leaving the French winger’s move in limbo. The club’s strategy now hinges on securing another attacker alongside Barcola, whose deal remains technically alive.

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Funding and next steps

Since the collapse of the Yan Diomande deal, Barcola has become Liverpool’s primary target for the front line. Iraola wants every attacker to operate across multiple positions, meaning Barcola’s left‑winger role would be just a starting point. Yet reliance on him alone would be risky if prospects such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz fail to deliver.

Financial pressure mounts after the departure of Jones and the potential exits of Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo. The board may free additional resources before the deadline, but any new spending will need to cover another forward, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until the New Year.

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Until Liverpool can secure a partner for Barcola or find an alternative, the attack will remain thin, jeopardising their Champions League ambitions beyond the round of 16. The club’s summer success now depends on unlocking extra funds and navigating PSG’s separate‑deal stance.