Lewis Steele: Liverpool ‘definitely in talks’ to sign world-class forward | OneFootball

Bradley Barcola Remains Liverpool’s Priority as Lewis Steele Reveals Latest Position

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola continues to gather momentum, with fresh developments suggesting the Paris Saint Germain forward has become the club’s leading attacking target.

During the latest Media Matters podcast on Anfield Index, host Dave Davis was joined by Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele to discuss Liverpool’s summer recruitment. While several attacking names were mentioned, the conversation repeatedly returned to Barcola and the belief that negotiations are beginning to move into a significant phase.

Steele’s insight painted a picture of a transfer that still has obstacles to overcome, but one that Liverpool are working hard to make happen.

Transfer Situation Begins to Move

Dave Davis opened the discussion by highlighting the latest reports surrounding the PSG winger, noting that Barcola had informed the French champions he would not sign a new contract.

He also referenced Fabrizio Romano’s update that the player is “very open and keen on Liverpool”, while stressing that any breakthrough would still require patience.

Lewis Steele agreed that meaningful progress had already been made.

“I think there’s already been a big development in the last 24 hours and that’s the money, the money has been banded around, which always means the deal’s moving a bit.”

For Steele, the appearance of concrete valuations is often an indication that discussions have moved beyond speculation.

He continued by outlining the current landscape.

“It sounds like Barcola will be open to the move.”

“From what I’m reading, it sounds like PSG would be open to a sale.”

Those two factors, combined with public discussion around potential transfer fees, suggest Liverpool now have a genuine opportunity to test PSG’s resolve.

Liverpool Want Value, Not Any Price

One of the biggest themes throughout the discussion was Liverpool’s determination not to overpay.

Steele explained that despite widespread reports placing Barcola’s valuation between €140 million and €145 million, Liverpool have no intention of agreeing to that figure.

“Liverpool definitely don’t want to pay the 145m that’s been quoted and rightly so because I don’t think he’s worth that.”

He also revealed why those figures have surprised Liverpool.

“They were quoted more towards €80 million back then.”

“I don’t know what he’s done in the last 12 months, put an extra €60 million on his price tag.”

Rather than suggesting Liverpool will simply walk away, Steele believes the current figures represent a starting point for negotiations rather than a final demand.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition Exists but Liverpool Remain Strongly Placed

The podcast also acknowledged that Liverpool are far from alone in admiring Barcola.

Steele noted that Arsenal remain interested after missing out on Morgan Rogers, Chelsea had explored the player before signing Rogers, while Bayern Munich have also been linked.

Despite that competition, he believes PSG’s willingness to negotiate offers Liverpool genuine encouragement.

“PSG are going to try and drive a bidding war I feel.”

“Liverpool are definitely in talks and they want to get it done and they want to get the price down.”

Perhaps most importantly, Steele believes Liverpool are deliberately avoiding creating the impression that they have no alternative.

“I think they’re a bit reluctant to be seen to be going in all out for him just in case they don’t make it.”

That cautious approach reflects lessons learned earlier in the window while protecting Liverpool’s negotiating position.

Priority Target Clear for Liverpool

As the discussion drew to a close, Dave Davis suggested the lack of serious links with alternative wingers could indicate where Liverpool’s focus now lies.

Steele agreed.

“For the last fortnight, three weeks now, it’s all roads have seemed to lead to Barcola.”

He then delivered perhaps the clearest indication yet of Liverpool’s thinking.

“I think it’s obvious for a reason and it does seem like he’s the priority target.”

Ultimately, Steele believes the transfer will come down to one issue.

“It’s just a case of whether they can find an agreement over the money.”

He also highlighted one significant difference between Liverpool’s unsuccessful pursuit of Yan Diomande and the Barcola negotiations.

“The difference here is that PSG seem more open to selling him.”

“When that’s the case then they probably will do so.”

For now, Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola appears to be entering its most important stage. The player’s openness to the move, PSG’s apparent willingness to negotiate and Liverpool’s determination to secure value all point towards discussions that are still very much alive. As Lewis Steele told Dave Davis on Media Matters, the priority is clear. Now it is simply a question of whether the two clubs can bridge the financial gap and complete one of the biggest transfers of Liverpool’s summer.