Liverpool Could Turn to Premier League Rivals for Bradley Barcola Alternative

Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to dominate the transfer conversation, yet not every reported target has generated universal excitement. During the latest Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis was joined by Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele, with much of the discussion centred on Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking options and whether Chelsea winger Pedro Neto represents the right fit.

While Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s priority, the conversation also examined reports linking the Reds with Chelsea’s Portugal international. Steele’s verdict was measured and refreshingly direct.

Pedro Neto Links Continue to Surface

Dave Davis referenced reports from Steele’s Daily Mail colleague Kieran Gill, noting that Liverpool and Manchester City had both been credited with interest in Chelsea forward Pedro Neto. Davis pointed out that Chelsea “wouldn’t allow the winger to leave cheap”, especially in a market where the values attached to players such as Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande have continued to rise.

Steele confirmed the rumours have been circulating for some time.

“He is one of these names that keeps coming round and round.”

He then revealed that the subject had come up during a recent meeting with Gill.

“I was actually with Kieran on a bit of a jolly actually last few weeks ago at Wimbledon watching some tennis. We spoke about Neto then because he covers Chelsea, I cover Liverpool and it felt like it was something that was circulating both in Liverpool circles and Chelsea circles.”

That insight gives credibility to the existence of the speculation, although Steele stopped well short of suggesting Liverpool are preparing a move.

Lewis Steele Delivers Honest Assessment

The strongest part of the discussion came when Steele gave his own opinion of Pedro Neto as a potential Liverpool signing.

Rather than focusing on statistics or market value alone, he explained that the Chelsea winger has never convinced him as a player capable of becoming a genuine elite level addition for Liverpool.

“I’ve never really ever watched him and thought he’s top level.”

He continued with an equally candid assessment.

“I think he’d be the sort of player that I’d be a bit underwhelmed by if Liverpool signed him.”

Those comments stood out because they were opinions formed from watching the player over several seasons rather than reacting to transfer speculation. Throughout the podcast, Steele repeatedly stressed that Liverpool must spend wisely, particularly given the club’s other priorities in defence and on the wing.

Valuation Remains Biggest Obstacle

Price was another major talking point.

Reports have suggested Chelsea would only consider offers well into nine figures, something Steele believes would represent poor value.

“He’s definitely not worth £100 million.”

He expanded further by adding:

“If they got him for 50 or 60, like fair enough, but £100 million, that’s too much for a player like that.”

Those comments also reflected the wider transfer market discussion taking place throughout the podcast. Liverpool continue to negotiate around the valuation of Bradley Barcola, with Steele explaining elsewhere that the club are working to reduce PSG’s asking price rather than paying inflated figures immediately. Against that backdrop, committing a similar fee for Pedro Neto appears difficult to justify.

Liverpool’s Priority Appears Elsewhere

Although Pedro Neto’s name continues to appear in transfer conversations, the wider discussion between Dave Davis and Lewis Steele suggested Liverpool’s attention remains focused elsewhere.

Steele explained that Barcola “seems to be the priority target”, with negotiations ultimately depending on whether Liverpool and PSG can reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Meanwhile, he also emphasised that strengthening the defence has become increasingly urgent following Joe Gomez’s injury, arguing that Liverpool “have to sign a defender”.

Against that backdrop, Neto currently feels more like an option that continues to circulate than a deal moving towards completion. Steele acknowledged the rumours have existed in both Liverpool and Chelsea circles, yet his personal evaluation was unmistakable. He questioned whether the winger represents genuine top level quality and made it clear that a £100 million valuation would be excessive.

For Liverpool supporters following every twist of the summer window, the Media Matters discussion offered useful perspective. Pedro Neto may remain linked with Anfield, but based on Lewis Steele’s assessment to Dave Davis, there is little evidence yet that he is the player Liverpool should be prioritising ahead of their other pressing needs.