The Kopite View

Liverpool now know the eight teams standing between them and a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

And personally, I think the Reds have been handed a very good draw.

There are certainly some difficult games in there, but when you compare Liverpool’s schedule with some of the draws handed to other Premier League clubs, I think Andoni Iraola will be pretty happy with what his team has been given. (The Guardian)

Liverpool’s Champions League opponents

Atletico Madrid

Inter Milan

Porto

Club Brugge

Villarreal

Fenerbahce

Lens

LASK

Four at Anfield.

Four away from home.

And there are some fantastic European nights ahead.

Atletico Madrid at Anfield

This is probably the toughest home game Liverpool have been handed.

Atletico are experienced, aggressive and incredibly difficult to break down.

But I actually like the fact that Liverpool have them at Anfield.

If you are going to face Atletico, I’d much rather do it in front of a packed Anfield than at the Metropolitano.

Liverpool should be capable of getting three points here.

Inter Milan away

This is the game that worries me most.

Inter are a seriously good team and travelling to San Siro is never easy.

There’s also the added storyline of Curtis Jones potentially facing Liverpool after his move to Inter.

This will be a proper Champions League test for Iraola’s side.

If Liverpool can come away with something, it could be a huge result.

Porto at Anfield

Porto are another club Liverpool know extremely well.

But again, having them at Anfield is a major advantage.

Liverpool should be looking at this fixture and thinking three points.

If they can win their home matches, they’ll put themselves in an excellent position in the league table.

Club Brugge away

This is exactly the sort of away game Liverpool need to approach professionally.

Club Brugge aren’t going to be intimidated by the occasion.

But Liverpool have considerably more quality and should be targeting a victory.

The key will be avoiding complacency.

Villarreal at Anfield

Another home game where Liverpool should be confident.

Villarreal have European pedigree and have caused Liverpool problems in the past, but once again the fact that this game is at Anfield makes a huge difference.

I would expect Liverpool to be favourites.

Fenerbahce away

This could be one of the most intimidating atmospheres of the entire league phase.

Istanbul is never an easy place to visit.

Fenerbahce will make life extremely difficult for Liverpool and Iraola’s players will need to handle the occasion.

But this is exactly why you play in the Champions League.

Lens at Anfield

Another home game.

Another opportunity for three points.

Liverpool have been given four home matches and, realistically, they should be looking to win all four.

If they can do that, it gives them a fantastic foundation for finishing high up the league table.

LASK away

On paper, this is probably the most favourable fixture.

But Liverpool cannot afford to underestimate anyone in Europe.

If they approach this game properly, though, it should be another opportunity to pick up three points.

Why I think it’s a good draw

This is the key for me.

Liverpool have been given two genuinely difficult games in Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.

But they haven’t been handed a nightmare schedule containing Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona or PSG.

Instead, they have a mixture of strong European opponents and games where Liverpool should be favourites.

That’s exactly what you want.

The league phase rewards consistency, with eight different opponents and the top eight progressing directly to the last 16.

How many points should Liverpool target?

Personally, I’d be looking at something around 18 points as a realistic target.

Win the four home games and then pick up wins against some of the away opponents.

If Liverpool could finish with six wins, two defeats or perhaps five wins and three draws, they should give themselves an excellent chance of finishing in the top eight.

And that’s important because finishing in the top eight means avoiding the knockout play-off round.

Squad depth will be crucial

There is one big caveat.

Liverpool have a huge number of matches coming up.

Premier League.

Champions League.

FA Cup.

Carabao Cup.

And Iraola wants his team playing with intensity.

That means Liverpool need enough quality to rotate.

The Champions League draw has actually strengthened my belief that Liverpool need another midfielder and more attacking options.

You cannot compete across four competitions with a thin squad.

Bring it on

Overall, though, I’m very happy with this draw.

Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan will provide the big tests.

Porto and Villarreal are two excellent home fixtures.

And Club Brugge, Fenerbahce, Lens and LASK give Liverpool opportunities to collect plenty of points.

There will be difficult nights.

There will be long journeys.

There will be moments when Iraola’s team is tested.

But that’s what the Champions League is all about.

And personally, I think Liverpool have been handed a draw they should be capable of navigating successfully.

Now it’s up to Iraola and his players.

Bring on the Champions League. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s search for a midfielder could be about to become very interesting.

Reports from France suggest Monaco are preparing for the possible departure of Lamine Camara, with the Ligue 1 club looking at midfield reinforcements.

That could be significant for Liverpool.

The Senegal international has been linked with the Reds for much of the summer, and Monaco have already been reported to be searching for midfielders in case they lose him before the transfer window closes.

Monaco preparing for life without Camara?

The latest information suggests Monaco are working on bringing in midfielders, with Pape Matar Sarr among the names mentioned, while they are also reportedly working on Erik Lara.

If Monaco are genuinely making moves to strengthen their midfield, it could be a sign that they are preparing for Camara’s departure.

And that should immediately get Liverpool fans interested.

Camara is exactly the type of midfielder Liverpool could use.

Liverpool need a No.6

The biggest issue for me is balance.

Liverpool have plenty of attacking quality in midfield.

Dominik Szoboszlai can contribute defensively, Alexis Mac Allister is an excellent all-round midfielder and Ryan Gravenberch has shown his quality.

But Liverpool still lack a natural defensive midfielder who can sit in front of the defence and give the team protection.

Camara could provide that.

He is predominantly a No.6 but also has the ability to carry the ball forward and contribute creatively. Last season he ranked highly among Ligue 1 midfielders for duels and defensive contributions.

Liverpool have already been linked

This isn’t a completely new name for Liverpool.

Camara has been on the club’s radar for some time and was previously identified alongside players such as Adam Wharton as a potential midfield target.

Crystal Palace have already had a bid rejected for the Senegal international, while Manchester United, Chelsea and several other Premier League clubs have also been linked.

So Liverpool certainly wouldn’t be alone in the race.

Monaco won’t make it easy

The major problem will be the price.

Monaco have reportedly been looking for around €60m (£51m) for Camara.

That’s a substantial investment.

But Liverpool have already demonstrated this summer that they are prepared to spend huge money when they believe the right player is available.

The question is whether they view Camara as that player.

After the Newcastle draw, I certainly think they should.

Newcastle exposed Liverpool’s midfield

Liverpool had plenty of possession against Newcastle.

But possession isn’t enough.

When Newcastle won the ball, they were able to attack Liverpool’s midfield and defence far too quickly.

The Reds looked vulnerable in transition.

That is precisely where a midfielder like Camara could make a difference.

He could give Liverpool an extra layer of protection and allow the more attacking players to concentrate on creating chances.

Camara could suit Iraola

There’s another reason I like the idea.

Camara has the energy and intensity required for Iraola’s football.

He isn’t simply a player who sits in front of the defence.

He can press.

He can win the ball.

He can carry it forward.

And he can help Liverpool transition from defence into attack.

That versatility could make him particularly valuable in a double-pivot system.

Could Liverpool hijack the race?

This is where things get interesting.

If Monaco are now actively preparing for Camara’s departure, Liverpool should be ready to move.

There is a danger that another Premier League club gets there first.

Crystal Palace have already shown their willingness to spend heavily, while Manchester United and other clubs have been monitoring the situation. (TEAMtalk)

Liverpool don’t want to spend another season talking about their need for a No.6 only to watch another club sign the player.

My verdict

For me, this is one Liverpool should seriously consider.

Camara is young, talented, experienced at international level and already accustomed to European football.

More importantly, he fills an obvious weakness in Liverpool’s squad.

The Reds have spent huge money on Isak, Wirtz and Barcola because they want to build an elite attack.

Now they need to make sure the team behind those players is strong enough.

Camara could be that missing piece.

And if Monaco really are preparing for his departure, the opportunity may be opening.

Liverpool have been linked with Lamine Camara for weeks.

Now Monaco could be preparing to let him go.

The question is simple:

Will Liverpool finally make their move before another Premier League club does?

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool now know exactly who stands between them and the Champions League knockout stages.

Andoni Iraola’s Reds have been handed a fascinating league-phase schedule, with four games at Anfield and four away from home.

Here are Liverpool’s eight opponents:

🏠Liverpool at home

🔴 Atletico Madrid

🔴 Porto

🔴 Villarreal

🔴 Lens

✈️ Liverpool away

⚫🔵 Inter Milan

🔵⚪ Club Brugge

🟡🔵 Fenerbahce

🔴 LASK

And there are some brilliant European nights to look forward to.

Atletico Madrid at Anfield

Liverpool will welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield in one of the standout fixtures of the league phase.

Diego Simeone’s side have always been notoriously difficult to play against, and their intensity and defensive organisation will provide Iraola with a serious test.

But there’s something special about Champions League nights at Anfield.

This is exactly the sort of fixture Liverpool fans will have been hoping for.

Curtis Jones reunion in Milan?

The trip to Inter Milan could be particularly interesting.

Curtis Jones completed his move from Liverpool to the Nerazzurri this summer, meaning the Champions League draw has immediately created the possibility of an emotional reunion.

Jones could now find himself lining up against the club he represented throughout his career.

For Liverpool supporters, seeing an academy graduate return to Anfield would be one thing.

Seeing him play against Liverpool in a Champions League match would be something else entirely.

Porto at Anfield

Porto are another familiar opponent for Liverpool.

The Reds have faced the Portuguese club several times in European competition over the years.

But there is no room for complacency.

Liverpool should be favourites at Anfield, but Porto are capable of making life extremely difficult for anyone.

This is the sort of game Liverpool will need to win if they want to finish among the league phase’s highest-ranked teams.

Club Brugge away

The trip to Belgium could provide a completely different challenge.

Club Brugge may not have the same reputation as Atletico or Inter, but away matches in European competition are never straightforward.

Liverpool will need to be professional.

These are the matches where points can be lost if concentration drops.

Villarreal at Anfield

Villarreal have plenty of European pedigree and have caused Liverpool problems in the past.

Playing them at Anfield should give the Reds a major advantage.

Again, it’s a match Liverpool will expect to win.

And if Iraola’s side can perform consistently in these home fixtures, they should put themselves in a strong position.

Fenerbahce away

The atmosphere in Istanbul should be incredible.

Fenerbahce’s supporters are renowned for creating an intimidating environment, and Liverpool will have to deal with that as well as a dangerous opponent.

This could be one of the most difficult away games of the league phase.

It will test Liverpool’s mentality as much as their football.

Lens at Anfield

Lens provide another home fixture Liverpool will be expected to target for three points.

There is an opportunity here for Liverpool to build a strong record at Anfield.

Four home games.

Four opportunities to collect points.

And if Liverpool can make Anfield a fortress again, they could put themselves in an excellent position before the final away games.

LASK away

Finally, Liverpool travel to Austria to face LASK.

On paper, this looks like one of the more favourable fixtures.

But Liverpool cannot afford to underestimate anyone.

Iraola will need to ensure his squad maintains its intensity even when facing opponents who may be viewed as weaker.

What should Liverpool be targeting?

The new Champions League format means every game matters.

Liverpool will play eight different opponents, with the top eight progressing directly to the knockout stages.

For me, Liverpool should be targeting at least five or six victories from these eight matches.

The home fixtures against Atletico, Porto, Villarreal and Lens will be particularly important.

If Liverpool can dominate at Anfield, they’ll give themselves a strong platform.

Squad depth will be crucial

There’s one major concern, though.

Liverpool have a huge number of matches ahead of them.

Premier League.

Champions League.

FA Cup.

Carabao Cup.

And Iraola wants his team to play with intensity.

That means squad rotation will be essential.

We’ve already discussed Liverpool’s need for more midfield and attacking options.

This Champions League schedule only strengthens that argument.

You cannot compete on four fronts with a thin squad.

A brilliant European adventure awaits

There are some fantastic fixtures here.

Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Inter Milan away.

Fenerbahce away.

Porto at home.

These are proper Champions League nights.

And then there are opportunities to pick up valuable points against Club Brugge, Villarreal, Lens and LASK.

Liverpool have been handed a schedule that is challenging without being impossible.

Now it’s up to Iraola.

Eight games.

Eight different opponents.

Four at Anfield.

Four away.

And one huge objective:

Get Liverpool into the Champions League knockout stages. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s attacking plans appear to be far from finished.

According to Miguel Delaney, the Reds are still pursuing Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr despite seeing an initial offer of around £50 million rejected.

And with the transfer window closing rapidly, this could become one of the more interesting stories to follow over the next few days.

Iraola wants three more attacking players

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola reportedly wants to bring in three attacking players before the transfer window closes.

The plan would be to sign:

● Two players capable of operating in wide positions

● One forward who can deputise for Alexander Isak

That would represent a significant reshaping of Liverpool’s attack.

The arrival of Bradley Barcola would address one of those wide positions, but Liverpool clearly don’t want to stop there.

Why Sarr?

Sarr is an interesting option because of his versatility.

The Crystal Palace forward can operate from either flank and has experience playing centrally.

That could make him particularly valuable to Iraola.

Liverpool don’t simply need another winger who can start every week.

They need players capable of stepping into different roles when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion hit.

Sarr could potentially provide that flexibility.

Palace don’t want to sell cheaply

Liverpool’s reported £50m offer being rejected tells us that Palace aren’t desperate to let their player leave.

And you can understand why.

Sarr has become an important player for Palace and has plenty of Premier League experience.

If Liverpool want him, they may have to increase their offer significantly.

The question is whether the Reds believe he’s worth paying a premium for.

Liverpool need a backup for Isak

Perhaps the most interesting part of Delaney’s report is Liverpool’s desire to sign another player who can deputise for Isak.

That makes perfect sense.

Liverpool have invested £125m in their new striker.

But Isak can’t play every minute of every competition.

Liverpool are potentially facing a huge number of fixtures across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

If Isak gets injured, who plays No.9?

That’s a question the club need to answer.

Squad depth is becoming increasingly important

The Newcastle draw highlighted just how important squad depth could be.

Liverpool were able to bring players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Victor Muñoz and Lewis Koumas off the bench, but there are still areas where the squad looks short.

Iraola wants intensity from his team.

That requires players who can maintain that intensity throughout a long season.

You can’t expect the same 11 players to play every three days.

Sarr has another interesting quality

There’s also a reason Liverpool fans may be particularly interested in Sarr.

He has a very good record against the Reds.

Across his appearances for Watford and Crystal Palace, Sarr has repeatedly caused Liverpool problems.

That’s obviously not a reason to sign someone on its own.

But it does demonstrate that he can perform against top opposition.

My verdict

I’m intrigued by this one.

If Liverpool can sign Barcola and then add Sarr, Iraola would suddenly have considerably more pace and versatility in the attacking areas.

Barcola could provide the explosiveness.

Sarr could provide flexibility.

And another forward could provide the cover Liverpool need for Isak.

That’s a much more complete attacking group.

But I wouldn’t want Liverpool to simply throw money at Palace because the deadline is approaching.

£50m has already been rejected.

If Palace want considerably more, Liverpool need to decide whether Sarr is genuinely worth that investment.

One thing is clear, though.

Iraola doesn’t appear to think Liverpool’s attack is finished.

He wants three more attacking options.

And with Liverpool still pursuing Ismaila Sarr, the next few days could be extremely busy at Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s summer business might not be finished just yet.

According to Matt Thielen, the Reds are still very much in the market for a midfielder as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

And, after what we saw against Newcastle, that could be one of the most important developments of the entire summer.

Liverpool need another midfielder

There has been plenty of discussion about Liverpool’s need for another winger.

Bradley Barcola now appears to be on his way to Anfield, while the club continue to consider options for another wide player.

But the Newcastle game highlighted another problem.

Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t look balanced enough.

The Reds dominated possession for long periods at St James’ Park, yet Newcastle repeatedly caused problems when they won the ball and attacked quickly.

Liverpool need somebody capable of giving the defence greater protection.

Curtis Jones has left a hole

The departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan has also changed the situation.

Whatever you thought about Jones’ long-term future at Liverpool, he provided something the squad now needs: experience and versatility.

Liverpool can’t afford to go into a season competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups with too few midfield options.

There are talented youngsters coming through, particularly Trey Nyoni.

But relying entirely on young players is a huge gamble.

The missing No.6

For me, the biggest question is whether Liverpool will finally address the defensive midfield position.

They don’t necessarily need a traditional destroyer.

But they need someone who can:

● Protect the back four

● Win possession

● Break up counter-attacks

● Cover attacking full-backs

● Keep the ball moving

● Allow Wirtz and the other attacking players to play higher up the pitch

That could completely change the balance of Iraola’s team.

Liverpool have already spent big

There is another reason this is interesting.

Liverpool have spent enormous amounts on Isak and Wirtz, while Barcola is also set to arrive for a huge fee.

But this isn’t about signing another superstar simply for the sake of it.

It’s about finishing the squad properly.

The club spent heavily last summer too, but there are still areas that need strengthening this summer.

A midfielder could be the signing that makes all the other expensive additions work better.

👀 Who could Liverpool target?

There have already been plenty of names linked with Liverpool.

Lamine Camara is one player who has previously been mentioned as an option, while Angelo Stiller and Tyler Adams have also been reported as midfield possibilities.

There has also been long-standing interest in players such as Adam Wharton.

The important thing is that Liverpool now appear to be actively looking again.

And that is exactly what supporters wanted to hear.

The Newcastle warning

Liverpool were fortunate to leave Newcastle with a point.

The dramatic late penalty rescued the Reds, but it shouldn’t hide the weaknesses that were exposed.

Newcastle were able to attack Liverpool’s midfield and defence far too easily on the counter.

If that happens against the very best teams in Europe, Liverpool could be punished much more severely.

Iraola needs more defensive security.

My verdict

This could be the most important piece of transfer news Liverpool fans hear before deadline day.

Barcola would add incredible pace and quality.

Isak gives Liverpool an elite striker.

Wirtz gives them creativity.

But the midfielder could be the player who makes everything else click.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need another £100m signing.

They need the right midfielder.

Someone who gives Iraola balance.

Someone who protects the defence.

Someone who allows Liverpool’s attacking stars to concentrate on hurting opponents rather than constantly worrying about what happens when possession is lost.

We’ve been talking about Liverpool’s need for a midfielder all summer.

Now, finally, it appears the club may be listening.

Liverpool are still in the market.

And after Newcastle, I don’t think they could have picked a better time to be there. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool may finally be close to completing the signing of Bradley Barcola, but the Reds’ work in the wide areas doesn’t appear to be finished.

And one name continues to stand out as a particularly intriguing option for the right wing: Ibrahim Mbaye.

The 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger has been on Liverpool’s radar for much of the summer, with the Reds looking for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have explored the possibility of signing Mbaye, who predominantly operates from the right, although PSG’s valuation has made negotiations difficult.

PSG are demanding a huge fee

According to the latest reports provided by Wilson Cox LFC, PSG want at least €70m for Mbaye and could demand even more depending on negotiations.

That’s an enormous amount of money for an 18-year-old.

There’s no question that Mbaye has huge potential, but Liverpool would be taking a significant gamble if they paid that sort of fee for a player who is still at the beginning of his career.

And that appears to be the main stumbling block.

Liverpool clearly like the player.

They just don’t want to overpay.

Liverpool have reportedly agreed terms with Mbaye

The really interesting part of this story is the claim that Liverpool have verbally agreed a five-year contract with Mbaye, should the two clubs manage to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

That would suggest the player’s side is open to the move.

It would also give Liverpool an advantage in negotiations.

If Mbaye has made it clear that he wants to join the Reds, Liverpool can concentrate on trying to convince PSG to lower their demands.

Of course, until the club officially confirms anything, these claims should be treated with caution.

Why Mbaye makes so much sense

There is a lot to like about Mbaye’s profile.

He’s naturally suited to the right wing.

He’s young.

He’s technically gifted.

And he has already gained valuable first-team and Champions League experience with PSG despite being only 18.

Liverpool aren’t simply looking for another short-term fix.

They need to start building the next generation of their attack.

Mbaye could potentially be part of that.

Liverpool need a long-term answer on the right

This is the biggest reason I can understand Liverpool’s interest.

Salah’s departure has left a massive hole.

Replacing everything Salah gave Liverpool was never going to be possible with one signing.

But Liverpool need to start building towards the future.

Barcola can help transform the attack.

But if Liverpool can also add a young right winger like Mbaye, they could potentially have another player developing alongside him.

That could be a very exciting combination.

Liverpool aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket

The Reds also continue to explore alternatives.

Yankuba Minteh has been considered, although Liverpool have now gone cold on the Brighton winger after unsuccessful negotiations.

Ismaila Sarr has also been linked, while other options have been explored as Liverpool search for another wide player.

That tells us something important.

Liverpool know they need another winger.

They simply haven’t decided which player represents the best value.

The 2027 plan

Perhaps the most interesting part of the latest update is that Liverpool are also reportedly keeping an eye on a star right winger for summer 2027.

That could explain why Mbaye is so attractive.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need to find their final long-term answer this summer.

They could sign an 18-year-old with enormous potential, allow him to develop and then potentially make a major investment in an established superstar next year.

That would give Iraola options rather than forcing Liverpool to spend huge money on the first available player.

My verdict

If PSG really want €70m or more, I wouldn’t want Liverpool to simply pay it because they like the player.

We’ve already seen the club spend huge money on Isak and Wirtz.

Barcola could also become another enormous investment.

At some point, Liverpool have to think about squad balance and value.

Mbaye could be an incredible player.

But €70m is a lot of money for an 18-year-old.

If Liverpool can negotiate that figure down, however, I would be very interested.

He could develop behind more experienced players, learn the demands of Premier League football and potentially become Liverpool’s long-term answer on the right.

Liverpool have reportedly already agreed the player’s side of the deal.

Now they need to convince PSG.

And if the price remains too high, the Reds have other options.

But don’t be surprised if Ibrahim Mbaye remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar.

Because while the club may be looking for a star right winger for 2027, Mbaye could be the exciting young player they bring in now.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have finally got their man.

After weeks of negotiations, speculation and uncertainty, the Reds have reached an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola.

The latest reports indicate a package worth around £120m, with just over £100m guaranteed and performance-related add-ons taking the potential total higher.

It represents a huge breakthrough for Liverpool, who have made Barcola their priority target throughout the summer.

And perhaps most importantly, the player has wanted the move.

Barcola wanted Liverpool

Barcola has reportedly made Liverpool his preferred destination throughout the saga.

That was crucial.

PSG had the strongest negotiating position for much of the summer, with the French club initially demanding around £145m for their winger.

Liverpool refused to simply pay that valuation.

Instead, they continued negotiating and have now managed to bring the overall package down significantly.

That’s some piece of business if the deal is completed at the reported figure.

From £145m to around £120m

This is the part of the transfer that shouldn’t be overlooked.

PSG’s original valuation was around £145m.

Liverpool have instead reached an agreement around £120m, with the guaranteed fee understood to be just over £100m.

That’s still an enormous amount of money.

But considering how highly PSG valued Barcola, Liverpool will feel they have negotiated a much more favourable structure.

And with the player so keen on moving to Anfield, Liverpool were able to remain patient.

Liverpool finally get the winger they need

For me, this is the most exciting part.

Liverpool desperately need more pace and directness in their attack.

We’ve already seen what happens when the Reds dominate possession but struggle to consistently create clear chances.

Barcola can change that.

He’s incredibly quick, loves taking defenders on and can attack space behind a defensive line.

He’s also capable of creating chances for teammates rather than simply waiting for opportunities himself.

That gives Andoni Iraola another weapon.

Imagine Barcola and Isak together

This is where Liverpool fans should get excited.

Alexander Isak cost Liverpool £125m.

Now imagine giving him a winger capable of delivering the sort of service and movement Barcola can provide.

Isak has the movement.

He has the finishing ability.

He has the technical quality.

What he needs is a consistent supply of opportunities.

Barcola can help provide that.

And with Florian Wirtz also operating in the attacking areas, Liverpool suddenly have the ingredients for a frightening front line.

Iraola finally gets another piece of the puzzle

Iraola made it clear that Liverpool needed more options in the wide areas.

Barcola fits that requirement perfectly.

He has the speed to press.

The energy to work defensively.

The ability to carry the ball.

And the confidence to attack defenders.

Those are exactly the qualities Iraola wants from his wide players.

This isn’t simply a big-name signing.

It’s a signing that makes sense for the manager’s football.

The end of a very long saga

This transfer has felt like it has been going on forever.

Liverpool wanted Barcola.

PSG wanted an enormous fee.

Other clubs were interested.

Liverpool had to decide how far they were prepared to go.

And eventually, the two clubs appear to have found common ground.

Now there are only the final details to complete.

So while Liverpool fans should wait for the official confirmation, this is about as close as you can get.

A statement signing

If completed, Barcola would become one of the most expensive players in Liverpool’s history.

That’s a huge commitment.

But it’s also a statement.

Liverpool have lost Mohamed Salah this summer and need to build a new attacking identity.

Signing a 23-year-old French international with enormous potential is exactly the sort of move that can help establish that next era.

My verdict

I absolutely love this signing.

Liverpool needed pace.

They needed a winger who can beat a man.

They needed someone who can create chances.

And they needed another player capable of giving Isak the service he needs.

Barcola can potentially provide all of those things.

The price is huge, there’s no getting away from that.

But Liverpool have negotiated down from PSG’s original £145m valuation and have apparently secured a deal around £120m including add-ons.

Now it’s time to finish the paperwork.

Bradley Barcola wanted Liverpool.

Liverpool wanted Bradley Barcola.

And after one of the longest transfer sagas of the summer, the Frenchman is finally on the verge of becoming a Red.

LONG SAGA OVER.

Welcome to Liverpool, Bradley Barcola. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool will discover their Champions League league phase opponents on Thursday afternoon, with the draw taking place in Monaco at 5pm.

The Reds are one of 36 teams competing in this season’s revamped league phase, and after the final qualifying ties were completed on Wednesday night, Liverpool now know exactly which clubs they could be drawn against.

And there are some seriously exciting possibilities.

Liverpool are in Pot One

Liverpool have been placed in Pot One, alongside some of the biggest clubs in European football.

The other teams in Pot One are:

● Paris Saint-Germain

● Bayern Munich

● Real Madrid

● Inter Milan

● Barcelona

● Atletico Madrid

That means Liverpool cannot face any of those clubs during the league phase from their own pot.

However, they could still be handed two very difficult opponents from Pot Two, Pot Three and Pot Four.

Who could Liverpool face?

Liverpool will be drawn against eight different teams.

They will play four matches at Anfield and four away from home.

Two opponents will come from each pot, while UEFA’s rules mean Liverpool cannot face another English club during the league phase.

That rules out Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

But there are still some fascinating possibilities.

Pot Two

Liverpool could face:

● Borussia Dortmund

● Roma

● Sporting CP

● Porto

● Club Brugge

● Real Betis

● PSV Eindhoven

A trip to Dortmund or Porto would certainly provide a fantastic European occasion.

And Real Betis could also be an interesting opponent.

Pot Three

Things get even more interesting here.

Liverpool could be drawn against:

● Feyenoord

● Lille

● Bodo/Glimt

● Napoli

● RB Leipzig

● Villarreal

● Shakhtar Donetsk

● Galatasaray

● Fenerbahce

There are some very tricky teams in that group.

Napoli, Leipzig and Galatasaray would all provide serious tests, while a trip to Bodo/Glimt could present a completely different challenge.

Pot Four

Liverpool could then face two of:

● Viking

● Slovan Bratislava

● Slavia Prague

● VfB Stuttgart

● LASK

● AEK Athens

● Como

● Lens

● Sabah

On paper, these are the games Liverpool will probably be expected to win.

But there are no easy matches in the Champions League.

The reunion possibilities

The draw could also produce some emotional reunions.

If Liverpool are paired with Inter Milan, Curtis Jones could come up against his former club after completing his move to the Italian giants this summer.

There could also be reunions involving Luis Diaz if Liverpool draw Bayern Munich.

And then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool cannot host Real Madrid at Anfield during the league phase because of UEFA’s regulations, but they could travel to the Bernabeu if the two clubs are drawn together.

That would give Trent the opportunity to return to Merseyside as a Real Madrid player at some point later in the competition.

No more Real Madrid at Anfield

Interestingly, Liverpool will not be able to host Real Madrid in the league phase.

The Reds have already welcomed the Spanish giants to Anfield in each of the last two seasons, and UEFA regulations prevent the same pairing from being staged at the same venue for a third consecutive campaign in this phase.

But Liverpool could still be drawn away to Madrid.

And if that happens, it would be one of the most fascinating games of the entire league phase.

A different Champions League awaits Iraola

This will also be Andoni Iraola’s first experience of managing Liverpool in the Champions League.

That’s a huge opportunity.

Liverpool have a proud history in this competition and will be expected to compete for the trophy once again.

But the league phase is designed to provide more variety.

There are no traditional groups anymore.

Instead, every club plays eight different opponents before the knockout phase begins.

That means Liverpool could find themselves travelling across Europe and facing a completely different challenge every few weeks.

Could Liverpool get a nightmare draw?

Absolutely.

Imagine Liverpool drawing:

Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund

Napoli

Galatasaray

That would be an incredibly difficult league phase.

But Liverpool could also get a much kinder draw.

And perhaps that’s what makes Thursday so exciting.

We simply don’t know.

Liverpool should be aiming high

Whatever the draw produces, Liverpool should be targeting a place among the top eight.

Finishing in the top eight would mean automatically progressing to the knockout stages rather than having to negotiate a play-off round.

And with the quality Liverpool have in their squad, that’s a realistic target.

The challenge for Iraola will be managing the Champions League alongside the Premier League and domestic competitions.

That’s where squad depth becomes so important.

We’ve already seen concerns about Liverpool’s numbers in certain positions.

Eight Champions League matches, plus the Premier League and domestic cups, will put enormous demands on the squad.

The wait is almost over

Liverpool now know all 36 teams involved.

The qualifying rounds are finished.

The pots are confirmed.

And at 5pm today, the Reds will finally discover their Champions League opponents.

There are no easy games.

There are potentially some huge European nights.

There could be reunions with former Liverpool players.

And there could be some fascinating trips around Europe.

For Iraola and his players, this is where the real adventure begins.

Liverpool are back in the Champions League.

And by Thursday evening, we’ll know exactly who stands between the Reds and another attempt to conquer Europe. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have spent enormous amounts of money on individual players over the past year.

Alexander Isak arrived for £125m, while Florian Wirtz’s deal could eventually reach around £116m with add-ons.

But there’s an important distinction that needs to be made.

Liverpool spent big last summer — but this summer has been a very different story.

And despite those headline-grabbing signings, there are still obvious problems within the squad.

Last summer Liverpool spent heavily

Liverpool showed serious ambition last summer.

They invested heavily in the squad and brought in some of the biggest names available.

That spending created expectations.

Fans understandably expected Liverpool to continue strengthening this summer, particularly after winning the Premier League and identifying areas that needed improvement.

Instead, the spending hasn’t been on the same scale.

The Isak and Wirtz deals dominate the headlines, but Liverpool haven’t systematically strengthened every position that needed attention.

And that’s where the frustration comes from.

Two huge signings don’t fix everything

There’s nothing wrong with signing elite players.

Far from it.

Isak is a sensational talent.

Wirtz is one of the most exciting young attacking midfielders in Europe.

But football isn’t played on a spreadsheet.

You can’t simply spend £125m on a striker and another huge fee on a midfielder and assume every weakness in the squad disappears.

Liverpool still need balance.

They still need depth.

And they still need players who allow their biggest stars to perform.

Newcastle showed the problem

The 2-2 draw at St James’ Park was a perfect example.

Liverpool had around 60% possession and 27 attempts on goal.

Yet Newcastle repeatedly looked dangerous when they won the ball.

Liverpool’s midfield struggled to protect the defence.

The full-backs were exposed.

And Isak was left isolated for long periods.

That’s not necessarily a problem that another superstar solves.

It’s a problem that better squad construction solves.

Liverpool still need defensive balance

The biggest concern for me is the midfield.

Liverpool don’t appear convinced that they need a traditional specialist No.6 in Iraola’s system.

Instead, they want the team to defend collectively.

That’s fine in theory.

But someone still has to win the ball.

Someone has to cover the spaces when the full-backs push forward.

Someone has to stop opposition counter-attacks.

Against Newcastle, Liverpool didn’t consistently do those things well enough.

And that should have the hierarchy thinking.

Isak needs service

Then there’s the £125m man himself.

Isak barely had an impact against his former club.

But I’m not going to blame him for that.

If anything, the game demonstrated what Liverpool need to do around him.

They need pace.

They need creativity.

They need runners.

They need better service.

You don’t spend £125m on a striker and then leave him isolated.

Liverpool have to build an attacking structure that maximises what Isak can do.

Wirtz needs help too

The same applies to Wirtz.

Liverpool have invested huge money in him because they expect him to become a difference-maker.

But he can’t solve everything himself.

He needs runners ahead of him.

He needs midfielders behind him who can protect the team.

And he needs wingers capable of stretching defences.

If Liverpool’s midfield is too attacking and the wingers don’t provide enough penetration, Wirtz can easily become disconnected from the game.

This is why the summer spending matters

This is where I think Liverpool fans have a legitimate reason to question the hierarchy.

It’s not about wanting the club to spend £200m every summer.

It’s about spending intelligently where the squad needs it.

Liverpool spent heavily last summer.

This summer, the club have made some enormous individual investments, but there are still areas that haven’t been adequately addressed.

That’s frustrating because the squad is so close to being outstanding.

Liverpool have the foundations

Let’s be clear.

This isn’t a disaster.

Liverpool have an outstanding goalkeeper.

They have elite defenders.

They have Wirtz.

They have Isak.

They have quality throughout the squad.

But competing for the Premier League and Champions League requires more than a brilliant starting XI.

You need depth.

You need tactical flexibility.

You need players who can step in when injuries arrive.

And you need enough quality to survive the inevitable fixture congestion.

My verdict

I don’t want Liverpool to go out and panic-buy players simply because the transfer window is closing.

But I do want the hierarchy to look at what happened against Newcastle and ask some serious questions.

Liverpool spent big last summer.

They’ve made some huge individual investments this summer.

But have they actually addressed all of the weaknesses in the squad?

I’m not convinced.

Isak and Wirtz could become two of the biggest stars in European football.

But they need the right players around them.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need another £100m superstar.

They need balance, depth and protection.

Because right now, the Reds have spent a fortune on the headline acts.

Now they need to make sure they’ve built the supporting cast. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s defence may already have a few new faces this season, but there could still be room for another addition.

And one player who could potentially help Andoni Iraola’s squad in more ways than one is Joel Ordonez.

The Ecuadorian is primarily a centre-back, but his versatility could make him particularly interesting for Liverpool.

Ordonez could offer Iraola another option

By trade, Ordonez is a centre-back.

That’s almost certainly where Iraola would use him most often.

However, the 22-year-old has also been deployed as a number six on several occasions.

And that could be extremely valuable for Liverpool.

The Reds have already shown concerns in midfield, particularly when it comes to defensive protection and their vulnerability on the counter-attack.

Having a player who can operate at centre-back but also step into midfield could give Iraola another tactical option.

Ordonez or Jacquet at number six?

Liverpool already have another intriguing option in Jeremy Jacquet.

Jacquet has impressed with his composure and passing ability since arriving at Anfield, while Ordonez has similar qualities.

Neither player would necessarily be a conventional defensive midfielder.

But perhaps that isn’t what Iraola is looking for.

Liverpool’s system relies heavily on players understanding their responsibilities collectively.

A centre-back who can step into midfield could therefore offer something completely different.

Imagine Liverpool needing more defensive security late in a game.

Iraola could potentially bring Ordonez into midfield without having to sacrifice another player.

That’s the sort of tactical flexibility that can become hugely valuable over a long season.

£25.6m could be a bargain

There is another reason why Ordonez is worth looking at.

He’s reportedly available for around £25.6m.

In today’s transfer market, that feels relatively modest for a 22-year-old defender who already has significant experience.

Liverpool have previously been linked with Ordonez, so this isn’t a completely new name appearing from nowhere.

The interest has been there before.

But if the opportunity is now available at a reasonable price, perhaps Liverpool should revisit it.

Champions League experience

One of the most attractive aspects of Ordonez’s profile is his experience at European level.

He’s already played in the Champions League despite being only 22.

That’s important.

Liverpool are going to need players capable of handling enormous pressure this season.

The Reds are competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, meaning there will be very little opportunity for anyone to switch off.

Ordonez already understands what European football feels like.

He could solve more than one problem

That’s ultimately what makes this potential signing so interesting.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need another centre-back simply for the sake of adding another centre-back.

But a player who can potentially cover centre-back and defensive midfield is a different proposition.

Especially when the squad is already looking stretched.

Liverpool have already lost Curtis Jones.

The midfield still doesn’t look particularly balanced.

And the defence needs enough depth to cope with injuries, suspensions and a demanding fixture schedule.

Ordonez could potentially help in both areas.

Liverpool should at least explore it

There are obviously questions.

He wouldn’t help Liverpool’s homegrown quota.

And moving between centre-back and midfield at Premier League level is very different from doing it elsewhere.

But at around £25.6m, Liverpool wouldn’t necessarily be taking an enormous gamble.

They would be signing a young defender with Champions League experience who has already demonstrated versatility.

That’s an attractive profile.

My verdict

Liverpool spent huge money last summer.

But sometimes the most useful signing isn’t necessarily the most expensive one.

Ordonez could give Iraola another centre-back, another option in midfield and another player capable of progressing the ball from deep.

At just 22, there would also be plenty of time for him to develop.

Liverpool have been linked with Joel Ordonez before.

Perhaps now is the time to revisit that interest.

Because if the Ecuadorian really is available for around £25.6m, this could be one deal Liverpool would regret not exploring. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)