Lewis Steele: Liverpool to ‘explore’ move for world-class forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Still Waiting on Bradley Barcola as PSG Situation Develops

Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to centre on one name, Bradley Barcola. While transfer activity elsewhere has slowed, Lewis Steele’s appearance alongside Dave Davis on Media Matters for Anfield Index reinforced the view that Paris Saint Germain’s exciting forward remains the standout option for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Rather than presenting the move as imminent, Steele offered a measured assessment of where Liverpool currently stand. The interest is genuine, the admiration is long standing, and much now depends on PSG’s willingness to negotiate.

Leading Candidate for Liverpool

Dave Davis opened the discussion by referencing the latest reports surrounding Barcola.

“Romano’s talked about him four times in the last 24 hours. Barcola is the top, top, top, top target of Liverpool. Liverpool love Barcola.”

Steele agreed that little had changed behind the scenes.

“I think that’s pretty much what we knew already.”

He continued by explaining why Barcola remains Liverpool’s primary focus.

“We knew that Barcola was the sort of leading figure to sign if they are going to be signing a winger.”

According to Steele, Liverpool’s interest has not suddenly emerged during this window either.

“We know they had a look at doing last summer as well.”

That longer term admiration suggests Liverpool have done extensive work on the player and continue to view him as the ideal fit for Iraola’s evolving attack.

Money Could Decide Everything

Despite Liverpool’s clear interest, Steele stressed that negotiations will ultimately depend on PSG’s demands.

“It’s basically going to be about money really, isn’t it?”

He continued:

“We don’t know how much PSG are going to demand, how hard a bargain they’re going to drive.”

Even so, he believes Liverpool will pursue every possible avenue.

“I think they will have a go. I think they’ll try and explore doing it.”

That measured language reflects Liverpool’s transfer approach. The club may have identified Barcola as their preferred option, but they are unlikely to abandon their valuation or rush into an agreement simply because the player sits at the top of their shortlist.

Photo: IMAGO

Quiet Market Points Towards One Objective

One of Steele’s more revealing observations concerned the lack of alternative names emerging in recent weeks.

“It does feel like the fact it’s quite quiet everywhere else in terms of names for the wingers.”

For him, that silence may not be accidental.

“It does feel like they are just keeping the powder dry to go all out on Barcola when the time comes.”

With the World Cup now concluded, Steele suggested circumstances may finally be changing.

“Now the World Cup’s finished, maybe the time is now or time is soon.”

Liverpool’s patient approach has often frustrated supporters during previous transfer windows, yet it has also reflected a willingness to wait for the right player rather than settling for alternatives. Steele’s comments suggest Barcola still occupies that position within Liverpool’s recruitment plans.

Reasons for Caution Remain

While Barcola continues to lead Liverpool’s shortlist, Steele stopped short of suggesting a deal is inevitable.

“The only thing that puts me off, it just seems a bit too obvious.”

It was an interesting remark, acknowledging how public the story has become.

Liverpool’s biggest deals have often developed away from the spotlight before accelerating quickly, something Steele alluded to elsewhere during the podcast when discussing the club’s transfer strategy. For that reason, he remains cautious despite the growing volume of reports.

His conclusion was balanced.

“I think it’s fair to say he’s probably still, as he has been for a few weeks now, the leading candidate.”

Those words perhaps best summarise Liverpool’s position. Barcola remains the preferred target, Liverpool’s admiration has not diminished, and the opportunity is there should PSG soften their stance. Until that happens, however, patience remains essential.

For Andoni Iraola, adding another winger is clearly part of the wider rebuild, and Bradley Barcola continues to look like the player Liverpool believe can strengthen their attacking options. Whether that belief ultimately becomes a completed transfer may depend less on Liverpool’s desire, and more on PSG’s asking price and willingness to negotiate.