Liverpool's Winger Pursuit: Barcola and Minteh Targets
Liverpool’s summer plan is clear: two wingers in before the window closes, and then, if possible, a striker to ease the load up front. The execution, though, is getting complicated.
Barcola still the priority, Mbaye stalls
Bradley Barcola remains the headline target. Liverpool have had personal terms in place with the PSG winger for some time and see him as a key piece in their attacking rebuild.
For weeks, it looked like Barcola’s teammate Ibrahim Mbaye would follow him to Anfield. Mbaye has also agreed personal terms, but the deal has hit a wall where it matters most – the fee.
PSG want around €70m. Liverpool, according to French reporter Fabrice Hawkins, are only prepared to go to €50m. The gap has proved too big, and that stand-off has forced Fenway Sports Group to look elsewhere for the second wide option.
Minteh chase intensifies
That change of course has put Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh at the top of Liverpool’s list alongside Barcola.
Liverpool have already tested Brighton’s resolve twice, with the latest offer rising to £60m. Brighton have held their ground so far, but with Minteh having agreed personal terms with Liverpool, there is a growing expectation in the market that one more push could crack it.
Sources believe a third bid in the region of £65m–£70m would likely be enough to get Brighton to sign off. Liverpool are weighing up that move as the clock ticks down.
Beyond the wings: Liverpool call Madrid about Endrick
The recruitment drive does not stop out wide. With Alexander Isak currently the only fit senior centre-forward available to Andoni Iraola while Hugo Ekitike recovers from a ruptured Achilles – a lay-off expected to last until around the turn of the year – Liverpool have explored options through the middle as well.
That search has led them to one of the most talked-about young strikers in Europe: Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Endrick.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool contacted Real Madrid to explore a deal for Endrick, asking about both a loan with a buy option and a permanent transfer built around a significant proposal.
The answer from Madrid was blunt.
“No chance”: Real Madrid shut the door
Romano detailed how Liverpool are far from alone in trying to prise Endrick away. Roma and AC Milan have both been in touch with the player’s camp in recent days to check whether a loan could be on the table. Aston Villa also made an approach two weeks ago.
Each time, the response from Madrid has been the same: no chance.
According to Romano, club president Florentino Perez and head coach Jose Mourinho have taken a firm joint position. They have decided to keep Endrick at the Bernabeu and see him fight for his place wearing the number nine shirt.
As things stand, there is “nothing in terms of chances” for a move. Real Madrid do not want the player to leave, either on loan or permanently, and have closed the door on Liverpool’s enquiry just as they did with the Italian clubs and Villa.
January twist still possible
The stance is strong, but not necessarily permanent.
Romano stressed that Madrid’s resolve could be tested again later in the season. If Endrick is not playing regularly by the end of December, the club may revisit the idea of a temporary move, similar to his loan spell at Lyon last season.
For now, though, Liverpool will have to look elsewhere for a striker while they push ahead with their double-winger plan. Endrick stays in Madrid, ready to fight for minutes – and Liverpool’s search for the final piece of their attacking puzzle goes on.
