Liverpool hold talks to sign “one of the best LWs in the world”

Liverpool's malaise deepened on Sunday, losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arne Slot's side will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League, but there can be no doubt about the Anfield side's collapse in standards this season, so far removed from Jurgen Klopp's famous era and Slot's success in winning the Premier League last year.

Repetition is important in football, instilling habits, instilling patterns of behavior and tactics that lead to continued success. However, the opposite is also true, and Liverpool have developed some bad habits this season.

It needs to change, and if the manager is not going to leave this summer, Liverpool need to bring in the right players to turn things around. In particular, Liverpool need forwards.

Liverpool are among the favorites to sign the new striker

Mohamed Salah will leave this summer, leaving one year before the end of his contract. He will need to be replaced, of course, but Liverpool probably also need a left-back.

Cody Gakpo hasn't been in the running this season, and when he scored at Old Trafford on Sunday, the Dutch midfielder was very predictable on the left. He needs to add more moves to his game, but Liverpool cannot rely on him as their first choice next year, and an upgrade should be signed.

FSG can't pull this off, but if TEAMtalk is right, and Liverpool are among the favorites for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, then Liverpool could still go back to the top.

Barcola has been at the center of contract negotiations in Paris for a long time, but he and his top-class outfit are not compatible, and the second Barcola is playing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's game.

He wouldn't come cheap. Priced at £62m according to previous reports, the Frenchman has a number of high-profile players lined up in the Premier League and across Europe, with the Reds, as well as Manchester United and Arsenal said to have been approached by the player's representatives as they expressed their interest in the summer.

Why Barcola will be an upgrade for Gakpo at Liverpool

Barcola, 23, has played a key role in one of the most impressive sports teams in recent years, praised by commentator and Como scout Ben Mattinson for developing into “one of the best left-backs in the world”.

Wide-footed and unpredictable on the ball, the Frenchman is a target for PSG who pride themselves on being the best in the world. At Liverpool, he would have the opportunity to be the main man in the final third.

Since the start of last season, he has scored 33 goals and provided 28 assists. Just imagine the heights he could reach for a Liverpool side who would pull the carpet out of the talismanic role that Salah will soon leave.

One thing is for sure, Gakpo has done nowhere near enough to suggest he is the man to take them forward.

Barcola is also three years Gakpo's junior, and plays a wing role for PSG. Although statistics suggest that the two wings are neck and neck, an eye examination paints a very different picture. Barcola has more power then others, praised for his “unique” talent by Enrique.

Not only is he a powerful attacking force, Barcola wins duels and creates with consistency. In fairness, Gakpo does this too, but Barcola has something different about the way he carries the ball forward. In addition, he can play across the front line.

PSG may be looking at the future champion as an untouchable part of their project, but if reports are to be believed, the Frenchman's future may be uncertain, given the opportunity Liverpool received.

There is no reason why Gakpo and Barcola cannot combine in Liverpool's attack, but there is only one man who will end up being the focal point.

Liverpool is in a period of change, but there is no guarantee that it is going in the right direction. However, with the signing of Barcola and the development of Gakpo, Liverpool's chances of landing and staying there will increase and then some.