Liverpool are closing in on signing one of the fastest players in the world

One of the fastest players on the planet is closing in on a move to Liverpool.

The World Cup is finally behind us, which means Liverpool have no reason to wait any longer before stepping up their business in the transfer market.

So far, it's been a frustratingly quiet summer. While plenty of Premier League rivals have been busy strengthening their squads, Liverpool have spent much of the window watching from a distance.

There has been plenty going on behind the scenes, but that only counts for so much if the squad isn't improving.

And right now, the squad looks noticeably weaker than it did a year ago.

The biggest issue is replacing Mohamed Salah. You don't lose a player who has consistently delivered goals, assists and match-winning moments for nearly a decade without feeling the impact.

Finding someone capable of eventually filling those boots was always going to be one of the hardest jobs in football, but it's a challenge Liverpool have to face.

The concerns don't end there either.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both entering the final year of their contracts, which means Liverpool have to start planning for the future at centre-back. Even if both stay beyond this season, the club can't afford to leave succession planning until the last minute.

There's uncertainty at left-back too. Andy Robertson's departure leaves Milos Kerkez as the only proven senior option, while Kostas Tsimikas' future remains unclear. Over the course of a long campaign, relying on one established left-back would be a risky strategy.

Centre-back is another area where Liverpool could do with more experience. Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are both exciting prospects, but neither has played a minute of Premier League football.

They're talented, but expecting them to provide reliable cover in a title race would be asking a lot.

When you put everything together, it's all there for the makings of a right mess so far.

Liverpool's work this summer goes far beyond replacing Salah. The club needs at least five or six signings, and we haven't even done two yet with only Munoz having walked through the doors yet.

Although even that is a metaphorical walk because he's still yet to join up with Liverpool.

At this point let's be honest we would jus take any signing. Especially a signing in the most important area which is that Salah replacement.

Last season Liverpool lacked speed and directness on the wings. Andoni Iraola has already made it clear that he wants another winger at least to be added to the squad.

Liverpool missed out on Yan Diomande and that was disappointing. But their pursuit of Bradley Barcola is looking very promising.

According to reliable PSG journalist Djameel writing on X Barcola has informed PSG of his desire not to extend his contract and that his priority is to join Liverpool this summer.

This is a huge development. Barcola wants to leave and he wants to join Liverpool. That's two massive hurdles and probably the biggest hurdles cleared for Liverpool.

What remains is obviously agreeing a fee with PSG, but we've seen before how a player dictates a situation like this. So that means Liverpool are closing in on Barcola and in the process they could be signing one of the fastest players on the planet right now.

Last season Barcola recorded a top speed of 36.7km/h . It made him the fifth fastest player in the Champions League, and that kind of speed is going to be music to Liverpool's ears.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →