Emile Heskey wants Liverpool to sign Paris Saint-Germain attacking sensation Bradley Barcola this summer.
Club legend Emile Heskey has urged Liverpool to pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after the Reds missed out on Yan Diomande, identifying the Frenchman as an ideal addition for the club. PSG are open to negotiating his departure and have set an asking price of €90 million (£78m, $103m).
The Merseyside outfit have been linked with several attacking players this summer as they continue reshaping their squad ahead of a new era under Andoni Iraola. While Diomande had emerged as one of the names on Liverpool’s radar, recent developments suggest the teenager is now edging closer to a move to PSG.
Heskey wants Barcola at Liverpool
Both are quick, direct attackers; Barcola’s established PSG experience and proven pressing intensity align more closely with Iraola’s system than Diomande’s prospect upside. That situation has prompted Heskey to put forward a different recommendation, with the former Liverpool striker believing the French forward would be a perfect fit for the club’s style and ambitions.
“Liverpool should not worry about Yan Diomande because if he’s ultimately going to sign for Paris Saint-Germain, I’d be taking a close look at Bradley Barcola. He may be worried about where he stands in the pecking order under Luis Enrique,” Heskey told TEAMtalk.
“He’d be a fantastic signing for Liverpool because he’s another quick, direct player who loves running with the ball.”
Barcola has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years and has established himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in European football. The French international possesses blistering pace, excellent dribbling ability and the versatility to operate across the frontline, qualities that have made him a key figure for PSG.
His starting status at PSG remains uncertain, however. With PSG boasting a wealth of attacking talent and continuing to strengthen their squad, questions have naturally emerged over his role.
The 23-year-old often found himself on the bench towards the back end of last season. While he was involved in 49 matches, he racked up less than 3,000 minutes. He wasn’t too pleased with his role, and the potential arrival of Diomande will only increase the competition for places.
Despite having contributed towards 20 goals last season, he is no longer certain to have a prominent role at the Ligue 1 club. Barcola’s PSG role uncertainty could open a window for the Reds, especially as Liverpool look to inject more dynamism into their attack.
Why Liverpool should push for Barcola?
The club’s recruitment team are believed to be monitoring a number of wide forwards, and Barcola’s profile appears to tick many of the boxes Liverpool value in modern attackers. Heskey believes the winger’s experience under Luis Enrique could make him particularly suited to the demands of Iraola’s system.
“Barcola has been playing for a PSG team that press intensely, and that’s exactly what Liverpool will be looking for, now that Andoni Iraola is managing the team.
“That intense press was missing from Liverpool last season, so Barcola could be a great addition in that sense.”
Liverpool’s performances last season often drew criticism for a lack of energy and aggression out of possession. While the squad still possesses considerable quality, Liverpool visibly lacked the relentless pressing intensity that had become synonymous with the club during its most successful periods.
With Mohamed Salah leaving, Diomande became their priority target. But the Ivorian international wants PSG, and the French club are closing in on his signature. As a result, the Reds could certainly look at the versatile Barcola, who could offer similar qualities with a lot more experience. Since the Champions League winners are open to negotiations, the Merseyside club could soon make a concrete move.
