Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Ibrahim Mbaye over the financial terms of a five-year contract, in what could be a major breakthrough in the Reds’ pursuit of the Paris Saint-Germain winger.

According to RMC Sport, Mbaye has chosen Liverpool and does not want to pursue interest from Bayer Leverkusen. The report says the two parties have agreed the financial terms of a five-year deal. 

That is potentially huge news for Liverpool.

Mbaye has apparently made his choice

Liverpool have been competing with several clubs for the highly-rated 18-year-old, with Bayer Leverkusen previously understood to have been pushing hard for his signature.

But if the latest reports are accurate, Mbaye has made his decision.

He wants Liverpool.

That is a significant advantage for the Reds when negotiations with PSG get underway.

Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye isn’t new. Reports have linked the club with the teenager for several weeks, with the Reds looking to strengthen their options in wide areas following Mohamed Salah’s departure. 

Liverpool want Mbaye AND Barcola

And this is where things get really interesting.

The latest report states that Liverpool’s intention remains to sign both Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola.

That would be an extraordinary double swoop from PSG.

Barcola has been Liverpool’s major attacking target throughout the summer, while Mbaye is viewed as a younger player with enormous potential.

Liverpool would essentially be trying to take two of PSG’s exciting attacking options in the same transfer window.

Could Mbaye be the first domino?

Liverpool supporters have been waiting for something to happen with the PSG duo, and this could potentially be the first major breakthrough.

Mbaye agreeing personal terms doesn’t mean the transfer is completed.

Liverpool still need to reach an agreement with PSG over the transfer fee and structure of the deal.

But getting the player’s commitment is a major step.

And with reports suggesting PSG have been increasingly open to player sales, the situation is certainly worth watching closely. 

What about Barcola?

This is the part Liverpool fans will be most interested in.

If Mbaye is genuinely choosing Liverpool and the Reds are still determined to sign both players, could his agreement help Liverpool’s negotiations for Barcola?

Liverpool have reportedly been pushing hard for the French winger, with increasingly large bids being discussed.

Barcola is believed to be the priority, but adding Mbaye to the deal would give Liverpool an incredibly exciting collection of attacking options.

Imagine:

Barcola. Mbaye. Wirtz. Isak. Gakpo. Ngumoha.

That is some serious attacking talent.

PSG now hold the key

The players’ positions could be increasingly clear, but PSG still have the final say.

Liverpool need to convince the French champions that the money on offer is enough to allow Mbaye and potentially Barcola to leave.

If the latest reports are accurate, though, Mbaye has already made his choice.

And that’s a huge boost for Liverpool.

The Reds now need to turn an agreement with the player into an agreement with PSG.

Mbaye wants Liverpool.

Liverpool want Mbaye.

Liverpool also want Barcola.

Could we be about to witness a spectacular PSG double raid? 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool may have ended pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Como, but Andoni Iraola isn’t pretending everything is perfect.

In fact, the Liverpool head coach has identified exactly what still needs to improve before the Premier League opener against Newcastle.

Speaking after the victory at Anfield, Iraola admitted that Liverpool’s fitness levels are moving in the right direction, but he wants his players to be even better next week. 

“I think we are better than we were last week. Still, I hope next week we are better than we were today.”

That’s an important message.

The second-half drop-off is still a concern

One thing we’ve seen repeatedly during pre-season is Liverpool looking significantly better in the first half before the intensity drops after the interval.

Iraola acknowledged exactly that.

He said the first halves are still better than the second halves and admitted that Liverpool need to improve particularly after half-time. 

We saw it against Como.

Liverpool were excellent during the opening 45 minutes.

The pressing was aggressive.

The passing was quick.

The movement was exciting.

But Como grew into the game after the break and Liverpool had to defend for longer periods.

That’s something Iraola clearly wants to eradicate.

Fitness is improving

There is, however, plenty of encouragement.

A number of Liverpool players managed 80 or 90 minutes against Como without suffering cramps or any major problems.

That’s exactly what Iraola needs at this stage.

His football demands enormous physical effort.

Liverpool need players capable of pressing, recovering their positions and making repeated high-intensity runs throughout a match.

Iraola believes they’re getting there.

But he doesn’t want the players simply to be fit.

He wants them to be able to think clearly when they’re tired.

It’s not just physical fitness

This was perhaps the most interesting part of Iraola’s comments.

He spoke about maintaining the mentality and concentration even when players aren’t feeling fresh.

That’s absolutely vital.

When you’re tired, that’s when mistakes happen.

A defender switches off.

A midfielder gives the ball away.

A winger doesn’t track his runner.

A team loses its shape.

Iraola wants Liverpool to maintain their focus even when their legs are getting heavy.

That’s something that will come with time and repetition.

Liverpool have two or three weeks of training

The good news is that Liverpool now have time to work on it.

Iraola highlighted the importance of training together and building relationships between players.

That’s particularly important with so many new faces in the squad.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Jacquet.

Araújo.

Kerkez.

And others are still learning exactly what Iraola wants from them.

The manager believes the coming training period will allow Liverpool to improve their understanding and become better at solving problems on the pitch. 

This is exactly what I want to hear

Personally, I find Iraola’s comments encouraging.

I’d be more concerned if he watched Liverpool’s 2-0 win and claimed everything was perfect.

It wasn’t.

Liverpool looked much better against Como, but there were still periods when the intensity dropped and the team became more vulnerable.

Iraola knows it.

And more importantly, he knows how he wants to fix it.

The fitness will improve.

The players will become more accustomed to his demands.

The relationships will develop.

And hopefully the second-half drop-offs will gradually disappear.

The real test starts next week

Pre-season is over.

The excuses disappear.

Newcastle away is the first real test of Iraola-ball.

And the manager has already made his expectations clear:

Liverpool need to be better next week than they were against Como.

That’s exactly the mentality I want from our new manager. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool supporters can now get their diaries out, with two huge Anfield fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal having been rescheduled and selected for live television coverage.

The Premier League’s latest broadcast selections have confirmed that Liverpool’s home meeting with Manchester City will now take place on Sunday, October 11 at 4:30pm, live on Sky Sports. Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal has also been moved to Sunday, November 1 at 4:30pm, again live on Sky Sports. 

Andoni Iraola could hardly have asked for two bigger tests at Anfield.

🔥 Manchester City first

Liverpool will welcome Manchester City to Anfield on October 11 in what could be a fascinating meeting between two teams with plenty to prove.

City are the FA Cup and League Cup holders, while Liverpool will be hoping Iraola can establish his style quickly and turn Anfield back into a fortress.

The 4:30pm kick-off should create an incredible atmosphere under the lights — even if it isn’t technically an evening game.

And with Liverpool’s new-look squad, there will be enormous interest in seeing how Wirtz, Isak, Frimpong, Kerkez, Jacquet and Araújo cope with one of the Premier League’s biggest sides.

🔴 Arsenal arrive three weeks later

Liverpool then face another enormous challenge when Arsenal visit Anfield on November 1.

The Gunners are the reigning Premier League champions, having ended their long wait for the title last season, so this could be another early indicator of where Iraola’s Liverpool stand.

Again, the 4:30pm Sunday kick-off should make for a fantastic atmosphere.

And Arsenal will know exactly what awaits them at Anfield.

Three weeks that could tell us a lot

What’s particularly interesting is that the two matches are separated by just three weeks.

That gives Liverpool a fascinating little period in which to measure themselves against two of the teams likely to be competing near the top of the table.

Liverpool vs Manchester City — October 11, 4:30pm

Liverpool vs Arsenal — November 1, 4:30pm

Both live on Sky Sports. 

By the time these games arrive, we should have a much clearer idea of what Iraola’s Liverpool is going to look like.

Will the new defensive signings have settled?

Will Wirtz and Isak have developed their understanding?

Will Liverpool’s midfield have solved the problems we saw last season?

And perhaps most importantly, can Iraola turn Anfield into the intimidating fortress Liverpool supporters know it can be?

These are the games we want to see.

Two huge tests. Two massive Anfield afternoons.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have reportedly significantly stepped up their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with reports claiming the Reds have submitted an improved €135 million (£116m) offer to Paris Saint-Germain for the French winger.

According to Foot01, Liverpool’s previous proposals had barely exceeded €100m, but the club have now substantially increased their offer in an attempt to convince PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to sanction the sale. The reported €135m figure would represent a massive commitment from Liverpool for one of their biggest attacking targets. 

Liverpool are serious about Barcola

This is no longer Liverpool simply making enquiries.

If the reported figure is accurate, the Reds are putting serious money on the table.

Liverpool have been pursuing Barcola for much of the summer, and the latest developments suggest they are determined to find a way to get the deal over the line.

Previous reports had suggested PSG wanted a huge fee for the 23-year-old, with figures around €135m-€140m being mentioned. Liverpool’s willingness to move towards that valuation could be significant. 

The timing is particularly interesting

What makes this even more intriguing is what happened with Barcola at the weekend.

The Frenchman was completely omitted from PSG’s squad to face Lens, having also been an unused substitute against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup. 

And now Liverpool have reportedly returned with a €135m offer.

That is certainly an interesting sequence of events.

It doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is imminent, but Liverpool supporters will understandably see Barcola’s absence as potentially encouraging.

Could PSG finally be ready to sell?

PSG have already strengthened their attack this summer and have reportedly brought in Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, while they also have a wealth of attacking talent already available to Luis Enrique. 

That could make Barcola’s departure more manageable for the French champions.

The big question is whether €135m is enough to convince Al-Khelaifi to let one of PSG’s most talented attackers leave.

Liverpool appear to be hoping it is.

Why Barcola makes so much sense for Liverpool

For me, this is a signing Liverpool should be pushing hard for.

Barcola brings something Liverpool desperately need — explosive pace and genuine one-on-one ability.

He can play from either flank, attack defenders, carry the ball at speed and create chances himself.

And with Mohamed Salah no longer providing the same presence on the right, Liverpool need players capable of taking responsibility in the final third.

Barcola could be one of those players.

Imagine an attack containing Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.

There would be pace, movement, creativity and goals throughout the front line.

Is this the bid that gets it done?

That’s the big question.

Liverpool have apparently gone from offers of just over €100m to €135m.

That’s a huge jump.

Now it is over to PSG.

If Al-Khelaifi still refuses to sell at that price, Liverpool will have to decide just how far they are prepared to go.

But after everything we’ve heard this summer, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

Liverpool really want Bradley Barcola.

And if this latest report is accurate, they have just made their biggest statement yet.

€135 million on the table.

Will PSG finally say yes?

Jamie (The Kopite View)

One of the biggest positives from Liverpool’s pre-season has been the transformation of Jeremie Frimpong under Andoni Iraola.

The Dutchman arrived at Liverpool with an obvious reputation: explosive pace, attacking instinct and an ability to destroy teams from the right-hand side.

But there were also questions about whether he could provide the defensive reliability Liverpool needed.

After watching him during pre-season, I’m starting to think Iraola may have found the perfect way to use him.

Frimpong looks liberated

Under Iraola, Frimpong looks like he has been given the freedom to play to his biggest strengths.

He’s constantly looking to get forward, combine with the attackers and attack the space behind the opposition full-back.

But there’s something else I’ve noticed.

He looks more purposeful.

Rather than simply bombing forward because he can, there appears to be much more structure to his movement.

Against Como, he was a constant threat down the right and was involved in the build-up to Liverpool’s opening goal, with his sharp play down the flank helping create the opportunity for Cody Gakpo. 

That’s exactly what you want from your right-back in an aggressive system.

Iraola could be getting the best out of him

This is where I’m particularly excited.

Iraola’s football is based around intensity, aggressive pressing, quick transitions and attacking full-backs.

That sounds almost tailor-made for Frimpong.

The Dutchman doesn’t want to sit deep.

He wants to run.

He wants to attack.

He wants to get into the final third.

And Iraola appears to be encouraging exactly that.

It’s no surprise that the manager singled Frimpong out for praise after the Como victory, alongside debutants Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo. 

But can he defend?

This is still the big question.

Frimpong is naturally an attacking player, and Liverpool cannot afford to have their right side completely exposed whenever he goes forward.

That’s where the structure around him becomes so important.

If Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai can provide protection in midfield, and if one of the centre-backs is capable of covering the space behind him, Frimpong can concentrate on what he does best.

And Liverpool now have greater defensive depth behind him.

Van Dijk.

Araújo.

Jacquet.

That should give Iraola more confidence in allowing Frimpong to attack.

Frimpong could be one of Liverpool’s biggest weapons

Imagine Liverpool’s attacking shape when everything clicks.

Frimpong flying forward from the right.

Wirtz drifting between the lines.

Isak making runs in behind.

Gakpo attacking from the left.

And Ngumoha providing another direct threat.

That is an attack with pace everywhere.

And Frimpong can be the player who turns defence into attack in seconds.

He’s exactly the type of player who can make Liverpool’s football incredibly difficult to defend against.

A completely different player?

It’s still early.

Pre-season performances don’t guarantee what will happen when Newcastle arrive next Sunday.

But there is something about Frimpong under Iraola that feels different.

He looks confident.

He looks fit.

He looks dangerous.

And perhaps most importantly, he looks like a player whose manager knows exactly how to use him.

I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Frimpong in a Liverpool shirt yet.

And that is an incredibly exciting thought. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There was plenty to like about Jérémy Jacquet’s Liverpool debut against Como.

The French defender was outstanding in the first half of the 2-0 victory, looking composed alongside Virgil van Dijk and even capping his performance with a goal shortly before half-time.

It was exactly the sort of debut Liverpool supporters wanted to see.

But while we should rightfully applaud Jacquet, I think we need to be careful about getting carried away.

We’ve seen this before

I remember watching Dejan Lovren make his Liverpool debut against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield in 2014.

Liverpool won 4-0 and Lovren scored the second goal. He looked incredibly impressive that night and, for a moment, it was easy to think Liverpool had found themselves an outstanding centre-back.

The reality turned out to be rather different.

Lovren struggled during his early Liverpool career and was eventually dropped after a difficult run of performances. It took time before he became the much more reliable defender we eventually saw under Jürgen Klopp. 

That’s the danger with judging a player from one game.

One excellent performance doesn’t guarantee a brilliant Liverpool career.

And one poor performance wouldn’t necessarily mean a player is a flop either.

But Jacquet has given us plenty of reasons to be excited

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be incredibly encouraged by what we saw.

Because Jacquet didn’t simply score a goal.

He looked like he belonged.

He was calm on the ball, aggressive when defending and looked comfortable playing alongside Van Dijk.

His recovery pace was also noticeable, and he appeared confident dealing with Como’s attackers one-on-one. His performance attracted plenty of praise from supporters, and he even had the Kop singing his name before finding the net. 

That’s a fantastic first impression.

And when you consider that he’s still only 21, there could be plenty more to come.

The most encouraging thing was his composure

For me, this was what stood out most.

Jacquet didn’t look like a young player desperately trying to impress.

He looked comfortable.

He wasn’t constantly rushing into challenges or trying to do something spectacular.

He seemed to understand when to step forward, when to hold his position and when to play the simple pass.

That’s exactly what you want from a centre-back.

And having Virgil van Dijk alongside him certainly won’t hurt.

Van Dijk can provide the experience while Jacquet continues to learn the demands of playing at Liverpool.

And then there’s Araújo…

The second half gave us another reason to be excited.

Ronald Araújo came on for Jacquet and also impressed on his Liverpool debut.

That gives Iraola some serious options at centre-back.

Van Dijk.

Araújo.

Jacquet.

And suddenly Liverpool’s defence looks considerably stronger.

But again, let’s not get carried away after one afternoon.

We’ve seen plenty of players have brilliant Liverpool debuts before.

The real test comes when the Premier League starts, the Champions League arrives, the pressure increases and Liverpool face some of the best attacking players in Europe.

That’s when we will discover what Jacquet is really made of.

Let’s give him time

I think Liverpool supporters should enjoy what we saw.

We should be excited.

We should applaud Jacquet for an outstanding debut.

We should enjoy the goal.

We should talk about his defensive performance.

But we shouldn’t be expecting him to become Virgil van Dijk overnight.

That’s unfair to the player.

Jacquet has barely started his Liverpool journey.

The Como game was one match.

It was an extremely encouraging one, but it was still only one match.

First impressions? Absolutely brilliant.

Future Liverpool star? Let’s wait and see.

That’s the sensible approach.

Because we’ve been here before.

I remember watching Lovren against Dortmund and thinking Liverpool had something special.

Years later, we learned that first impressions can be misleading.

Hopefully Jacquet’s story turns out very differently.

And if his first 45 minutes are anything to go by, Liverpool supporters have every reason to be excited about what might come next. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajčetić could be heading for another move away from Anfield, with Getafe reportedly opening talks over a potential deal for the Spain Under-21 international.

According to the latest reports, Getafe have opened negotiations with Liverpool and the two clubs are currently discussing the formula for the deal. The exact structure has not yet been established. 

It is another interesting development in what has been a difficult period for Bajčetić.

Another opportunity away from Anfield?

Bajčetić burst onto the Liverpool first-team scene during the 2022/23 season and looked like he could become a hugely important player for the club.

His progress was then interrupted by injury, and subsequent loan spells at Salzburg and Las Palmas haven’t allowed him to establish himself as a regular Liverpool first-team player. 

Now Getafe could offer him another opportunity to get his career moving again.

The midfielder needs regular football, and a move to La Liga could potentially provide exactly that.

Liverpool have a decision to make

The interesting part will be the formula being discussed.

Is this going to be a straight loan?

Could there be an option or obligation to buy?

Or could Liverpool look for a permanent transfer that includes a sell-on clause?

At this stage, the reports don’t provide enough information to know exactly what Liverpool and Getafe are discussing.

But with Bajčetić currently not expected to be a major part of Iraola’s immediate first-team plans, a move that guarantees him regular football could make sense for everyone.

It feels like a crossroads for Bajčetić

There is still a very talented footballer in Bajčetić.

Liverpool supporters have seen what he can do when fully fit, particularly his ability to read the game and operate as a defensive midfielder.

But at 21, playing regularly has become increasingly important.

Another season spent struggling for minutes at Liverpool wouldn’t necessarily benefit his development.

A successful spell at Getafe, on the other hand, could give him the chance to rebuild his confidence, regain consistency and potentially return to Anfield a more complete midfielder.

Could this be the end of his Liverpool story?

That’s the big question.

Liverpool may still believe Bajčetić has a future at the club, particularly if the deal being discussed is a loan.

But if Getafe are proposing a permanent move, Liverpool will have to decide whether they still see enough potential to keep hold of him.

For a player who once looked destined for a major role in Liverpool’s midfield, it would be a shame if his career at Anfield ended without another opportunity.

But football moves quickly.

Getafe have opened talks.

The formula is being discussed.

And Bajčetić could soon have another chance to show exactly what he can do. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool finished pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, and while there is still plenty for Andoni Iraola to work on, there were some very encouraging signs ahead of the Premier League opener. Gakpo and debutant Jérémy Jacquet got the goals, while Ronald Araújo also made his first appearance after the break. 

Here are my five biggest talking points from the win.

1. Jacquet and Araújo look like excellent additions to strengthen the defence

This was probably the biggest positive of the afternoon.

Jérémy Jacquet looked extremely comfortable on his Liverpool debut, producing an excellent performance alongside Virgil van Dijk and even getting himself on the scoresheet.

He showed composure, strength and good positioning, and receiving a chant from the Kop before scoring made his debut even more memorable. 

Then came Ronald Araújo in the second half.

The Uruguayan replaced Jacquet and looked equally impressive, particularly as Como began putting Liverpool under more pressure.

Having Van Dijk, Jacquet and Araújo competing for places gives Iraola a completely different level of strength and depth at centre-back.

After the defensive problems Liverpool experienced last season, this could prove to be one of the most important areas of improvement.

2. Liverpool moved the ball quickly and looked dangerous in attack

This was much more like the Liverpool supporters want to see under Iraola.

The Reds moved the ball quickly and vertically, particularly during the first half.

There was much more purpose to the attacking play, with players looking to move the ball forward rather than simply keeping possession for the sake of it.

The high press was also noticeably better.

Liverpool were aggressive when they lost the ball and tried to win it back quickly, creating opportunities to attack Como before they could get their defensive shape organised.

That combination of pressing and quick attacking transitions could become a huge part of Iraola’s Liverpool.

3. We still don’t look fully fit

There was one concern that couldn’t be ignored.

The tempo dropped in the second half.

Some of that was undoubtedly because Como improved after the break and pushed Liverpool deeper, but Liverpool didn’t look quite as intense as they had during the opening 45 minutes.

That’s understandable.

This was only pre-season, and players are still building towards full match fitness.

But with the Premier League opener against Newcastle now just around the corner, Iraola will want his team to be capable of maintaining that intensity for longer periods.

The fitness should improve as the season progresses.

For now, though, we’re not quite at full speed yet.

4. Liverpool looked much stronger defensively

After conceding too many goals during pre-season, this was another major positive.

Liverpool kept a clean sheet and, importantly, had to defend for significant periods after half-time as Como attempted to get back into the game. 

Rather than panicking, Liverpool defended their advantage.

Alisson looked assured behind them, Van Dijk provided his usual leadership and both Jacquet and Araújo gave very positive impressions.

That’s exactly what Iraola needed to see.

Liverpool’s attacking football is going to attract plenty of attention this season, but if the Reds can combine it with a much more reliable defence, they could become a seriously difficult team to beat.

5. Wirtz and Isak look like a dangerous partnership

And finally, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

This is the partnership that could get Liverpool supporters dreaming.

Wirtz continually looked for space between the lines, while Isak’s movement gave the German plenty of options to find.

There were already glimpses of an understanding developing between them, and that should only improve with more minutes together.

If Wirtz can consistently supply Isak, and Isak can stay fit and finish the chances that come his way, Liverpool could have a devastating attacking combination.

And then you add Gakpo, Ngumoha, Frimpong and potentially another new winger into the equation.

There is plenty of firepower in this Liverpool attack.

The perfect way to finish pre-season?

It wasn’t perfect.

Liverpool still need to improve their fitness and there were periods in the second half when Como caused problems.

But overall, 2-0 was a very encouraging way to finish pre-season.

Jacquet looks like a brilliant addition.

Araújo looks like another excellent defensive reinforcement.

The attack looked quick and dangerous.

The defence finally looked more secure.

And Wirtz and Isak could be something very special.

Now there is only one thing left.

The real stuff begins next Sunday.

Newcastle away.

Let’s see what Iraola’s Liverpool can really do. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye has taken another interesting turn after the two Paris Saint-Germain wingers were left out of Luis Enrique’s squad to face Lens.

The pair were reportedly seen sitting together during PSG’s clash with Lens, but neither player was named among the substitutes. That is particularly notable given the continued speculation surrounding their futures and Liverpool’s interest in both players. 

Neither player makes the bench

Barcola and Mbaye had both been named on PSG’s bench for the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa earlier in the week, although neither was introduced during PSG’s 2-1 victory. 

This time, however, they didn’t even make the matchday squad.

That naturally raises questions about their immediate futures in Paris.

PSG have been adding attacking options this summer, including Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche, while they are also reportedly closing in on Ajax winger Mika Godts.

That increased competition could potentially open the door for departures.

Liverpool will be watching closely

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Barcola throughout the summer, while Mbaye has also emerged as a potential target.

Barcola is believed to be the more established target, with reports suggesting Liverpool have been working towards a deal for the French international.

Mbaye, meanwhile, represents a completely different type of opportunity — an exceptionally young attacker with enormous potential.

The possibility of signing both would obviously be extremely exciting for Liverpool supporters.

The timing is interesting

It would be wrong to claim that being left out of one PSG squad means either player is definitely leaving.

There could be fitness, tactical or other reasons behind Enrique’s decision.

But when you combine their omission with everything else happening at PSG, it becomes difficult not to take notice.

Both players were unused substitutes against Aston Villa.

Now neither is even on the bench against Lens.

And Liverpool remain interested.

That’s certainly worth keeping an eye on.

Could this be good news for Liverpool?

PSG have made it clear that they want players who are fully committed to their project.

Luis Enrique recently said that if a player doesn’t want to be at PSG or isn’t happy there, “it is better to find another solution.”

That doesn’t specifically refer to Barcola or Mbaye, but the comments are certainly interesting given the current situation.

Liverpool supporters will therefore be hoping that PSG’s growing collection of attacking options eventually makes the French champions more willing to negotiate.

Two players. One potential Liverpool destination?

Imagine adding Barcola and Mbaye to an attack already containing Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, Chiesa and Ngumoha.

The pace, creativity and unpredictability would be frightening.

For now, though, Liverpool supporters have to wait.

Barcola and Mbaye were together watching from the sidelines against Lens.

Neither made the bench.

And with the transfer window approaching its final stages, their futures could become one of the biggest stories to watch.

Could the next time we see them be in red? 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and debutant Jérémy Jacquet getting the goals in an encouraging final outing before the Premier League season begins.

After the earlier behind-closed-doors meeting finished 0-0, this was a much more positive performance from Andoni Iraola’s side in front of the Anfield crowd.

There were plenty of positives to take — particularly in the first half — but Liverpool also had to show a different side of their game after the break.

Gakpo gives Liverpool the lead

Liverpool started with far greater intensity than in the earlier meeting.

The Reds pressed higher up the pitch, moved the ball with greater purpose and looked much more dangerous in the final third.

That pressure eventually paid off as Cody Gakpo opened the scoring.

The Dutchman continues to look like an important attacking option for Iraola and showed his ability to make an impact in the penalty area.

It was the perfect start for Liverpool.

Jacquet caps dream debut with a goal

The story of the first half was undoubtedly Jérémy Jacquet.

Making his Liverpool debut, the French defender looked extremely comfortable alongside Virgil van Dijk.

He was composed in possession, strong in the challenge and showed excellent positioning.

Then, just before half-time, he produced the perfect way to cap his first appearance.

Jacquet scored Liverpool’s second goal.

A debut.

A goal.

And a hugely impressive performance.

Liverpool couldn’t have asked for much more from their new defender.

Wirtz and Isak provide plenty of excitement

There was understandably plenty of attention on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

The pair showed glimpses of the relationship that Liverpool supporters are hoping develops into something special.

Wirtz looked to operate between the lines and find space, while Isak continually threatened with his movement.

There is obviously still plenty of work to do before the pair are completely familiar with each other’s game, but the potential is enormous.

Liverpool had to defend in the second half

The second half was a different challenge.

With Liverpool leading 2-0, Como pushed forward in search of a way back into the match.

That meant Liverpool had to spend far more time defending and, at times, were forced deeper than they would have liked.

It was actually a useful test for Iraola’s team.

We know Liverpool want to press high and dominate possession, but they won’t be able to control every match for 90 minutes.

There will be occasions when opponents have sustained periods of pressure.

The important thing was that Liverpool stood firm.

Como couldn’t find a way through, and the Reds protected their two-goal advantage until the final whistle.

Araújo impresses on his Liverpool debut

Another major positive from the second half was Ronald Araújo.

The Uruguayan defender came on for his Liverpool debut and immediately looked at home.

He was aggressive in the challenge, composed defensively and showed the physicality that made him such an attractive addition to Iraola’s squad.

With Como putting Liverpool under more pressure after the break, Araújo was given a proper test.

And he passed it.

His ability to defend one-on-one and deal with physical pressure could prove extremely valuable once competitive football begins.

Having Van Dijk, Araújo and Jacquet competing for places gives Iraola some serious options at centre-back.

The midfield looked more balanced

Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai also had an important role to play.

The pair provided energy and helped Liverpool control the game during the first half, while also offering protection to the defence.

That balance was particularly important once Como began pushing forward.

Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the biggest talking points throughout pre-season, so seeing the team look more compact will be encouraging for Iraola.

Ngumoha continues to excite

Rio Ngumoha once again showed why there is so much excitement surrounding him.

The teenager was willing to take on defenders and attack with confidence.

At just 17, expectations need to be managed, but his natural ability and directness are impossible to ignore.

He looks increasingly comfortable around the first team.

A clean sheet to finish pre-season

After some worrying defensive performances during pre-season, Liverpool can be delighted with another clean sheet against Como.

And this wasn’t simply a case of Liverpool dominating from start to finish.

They had to defend for significant periods in the second half and showed the resilience required to protect their lead.

That could be just as important as the attacking football we saw before the break.

A positive way to end pre-season

There is still work for Iraola to do.

Liverpool will face a completely different challenge when they travel to Newcastle for their Premier League opener next Sunday.

But this was an encouraging final rehearsal.

Gakpo scored.

Jacquet scored on his debut.

Araújo impressed on his debut.

Wirtz and Isak showed glimpses of their potential.

The midfield looked more balanced.

And, most importantly, Liverpool defended their lead when Como came back at them.

The final whistle brought an end to Liverpool’s pre-season campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory.

Now the friendlies are over.

Next stop: Newcastle.

The real test begins.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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