PSG believe that Liverpool’s interest in Bradley Barcola is a ‘smokescreen’ for their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, according to a report.
The Reds are far from finished in the market despite already shelling out north of €300 million on new recruits. Liverpool remain intent on signing Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who continues to agitate for a move to Anfield.
However, this deal hinges on two things: Newcastle’s ability to find a suitable replacement and Liverpool matching the hefty valuation of the Sweden international.
The former may not be a problem for much longer. It has been a horrendous window for the Magpies, but there are still plenty of striker options on Eddie Howe’s shortlist, with the St. James’ Park club now exploring deals for Samu Aghehowa and Randal Kolo Muani.
The latter could prove to be a bigger issue if Newcastle show themselves unwilling to budge from their internal €173m (£150m) valuation. It has been suggested that Liverpool will not go that high for the 25-year-old.
Liverpool using Barcola as a smokescreen?
Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Isak, Liverpool have been exploring potential alternatives. PSG winger Bradley Barcola is a player greatly appreciated by the Anfield outfit, but he seems equally difficult to attain.
PSG have insisted all summer that the Frenchman is not for sale and, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the European champions believe that Barcola is now being used as a ‘smokescreen’ by Liverpool in their pursuit of Isak.
The thinking, it seems, goes that by briefing the press on their interest in the 22-year-old, Liverpool are seeking to put themselves in a stronger position vis-à-vis Newcastle by indicating that they would be ready to move on from Isak, which would leave the Magpies stuck with a player who doesn’t want to be there and see them miss out on a massive payday.
PSG are therefore relaxed about Barcola. Plettenberg reports that Isak remains Liverpool’s top priority target and that there have been no talks with Barcola yet, despite the Reds’ genuine appreciation for the winger.
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