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Liverpool has been urged to make two new signings ahead of the 2026-27 season in order to best position itself to compete for the Premier League title once again.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now in the rearview, the Reds will look to complete their summer transfer business and replenish the squad ahead of the Premier League season opener against Newcastle on Sunday, Aug. 23.
So far, the Reds have brought in only center back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz, and one Liverpool legend believes two more high-profile players should be signed, including one who could potentially start in place of Alexis Mac Allister.
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The first order of business, though, is bringing in a winger to replace the legendary Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of the campaign after nine illustrious seasons on Merseyside.
Ex-Reds striker Emile Heskey believes PSG and France standout Bradley Barcola is the man to go with rather than promising teenager Yan Diomande.
“If I'm honest, I'd go for Barcola. For the way Liverpool play, the club he's currently at, and the tactical style he's accustomed to, it just matches perfectly,” Heskey said via 10bet.
“He is incredibly direct, and that directness and raw energy on the left wing is something Liverpool have arguably been missing since Luis Diaz left. Diomande is a very strong prospect… whereas Barcola gives you that true attacking threat out wide.”
Barcola, 23, is coming off back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG and scored three goals and provided one assist for France at this summer’s World Cup. He is also believed to be wanted by Arsenal and could require a fee of more than $100 million.
Heskey went on to tip Crystal Palace defensive midfielder Adam Wharton as competition for Mac Allister, who struggled in his second season at Anfield since coming over from Brighton ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Given Mac Allister’s involvement in Argentina’s World Cup campaign that ended with a 1-0 defeat in the final against Spain, he could benefit from some extra time to recover ahead of the Premier League season.
“I think Alexis Mac Allister is fantastic, but they need someone who can rival him or even take his place - maybe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace. He missed out at the World Cup, but his time will come,” said Heskey.
Mac Allister, who has two years left on his contract at Anfield, shone for Argentina on their run to the World Cup final, starting seven of eight matches, scoring one goal, and providing one assist.
It came off the back of an underwhelming campaign with Liverpool for the 27-year-old, who lacked the tenacity and energy he is known to provide in the heart of the midfield.
If Wharton, 22, is to transfer clubs, it is also expected to call for a fee of more than $100 million, as Crystal Palace has already expressed its desire to retain the young Englishman going into the new season.
