Liverpool ‘monitoring’ Ligue 1 sensation as Jurgen Klopp identifies ideal Roberto Firmino successor

Liverpool are eyeing up a move for highly-rated Lyon youngster Bradley Barcola, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp is looking to revamp his squad ahead of next season and while midfield is his primary focus, a new striker certainly wouldn’t go amiss.

Indeed, with Roberto Firmino set to depart Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing in a long-term replacement like Barcola could be a smart move.

Overall, it’s been a very disappointing campaign for the Reds. Klopp’s side currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League table – 12 points adrift from the top four.

This is in stark contrast to last term, where Liverpool had a chance of securing a record-breaking quadruple heading into the final weeks of the season.

As mentioned, an ageing midfield has been key to their downfall, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner all past their prime.

With that in mind, Klopp is now looking to build for the future, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Liverpool table an offer for Barcola in the future.

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Liverpool ‘monitoring’ talented Barcola

According to Romano, 20-year-old Barcola has caught the attention of several teams, after his sky-high potential has been put on display in Ligue 1.

On Twitter, he said: “Many European clubs are tracking OL talented winger Bradley Barcola, born in 2002.

“Understand Liverpool are among teams monitoring his development with their scouts but the race is open.

“Barcola has 7 goals and 4 assists with OL first team this season.”

A versatile player, Barcola has the ability to play as a central striker, or as a winger on either flank, so could potentially provide cover in several areas for Liverpool next season.

Lyon’s manager, Laurent Blanc, has already said how impressed he has been with his performances this season.

“He surprises me on a physical level, and he doesn’t second-guess himself,” Blanc said.

“Bradley scores goals, even though he is not necessarily an out-and-out striker. He can easily eliminate his opponents with his technical finesse and speed.”

However, if Liverpool want to sign Barcola this summer, his services are unlikely to come cheap.

The Frenchman’s current contract with Lyon is set to expire in 2026, so the French giants are under no pressure to sell him at the moment.

Transfermarkt value Barcola at just £7.5m, but if he keeps performing at his current level, his ultimate price tag is expected to be much, much higher.

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