Jeremy Jacquet, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak hand Liverpool timely encouragement before Newcastle

Liverpool’s summer has carried an unmistakable sense of urgency, but the mood around Anfield now feels calmer after a week in which several concerns began to ease. According to the Daily Mail, the immediate anxiety over central defence has softened following Jeremy Jacquet’s impressive outing in the 2-0 friendly win over Como, while transfer attention is increasingly focused on Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain.

There was a point not long ago when Liverpool’s preparations looked vulnerable. Virgil van Dijk had yet to return from his extended break, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley were sidelined, and Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni were also unavailable. It left Andoni Iraola with limited options and raised understandable doubts over whether Liverpool might approach the new campaign short of rhythm and certainty in a key area of the pitch.

That picture has shifted. Van Dijk is back in the fold, Ronald Araujo has arrived from Barcelona on a season-long loan, and Jacquet’s first unofficial appearance in Liverpool colours offered a reminder of why the club moved decisively to secure him from Rennes in a deal worth £60 million earlier this year.

Jeremy Jacquet steps forward at right time

The reaction to Jacquet’s display against Como is easy to understand. On a day when Liverpool wanted signs of control and authority, the 21-year-old produced both. He looked assured in possession, read danger quickly and, just as importantly, appeared comfortable executing the sort of proactive defensive game Iraola typically demands.

The early moment that caught the eye was his willingness to carry the ball away from pressure rather than simply play safe. That confidence matters in a side expected to build from the back and hold a high line. His final contribution before being substituted was to score Liverpool’s second goal, capping a polished all-round showing with a finish that reflected sharp anticipation.

Internally, Liverpool have long viewed Jacquet and Leoni as defenders with major potential. That does not mean immediate conclusions should be drawn after one pre-season outing, especially given Jacquet’s age and the disruption caused by the shoulder problem that kept him out for a significant stretch of last season. Yet this was an important first step, and perhaps a meaningful one in the short term.

As things stand, Liverpool appear far less exposed at centre-back than they did a fortnight ago. Araujo brings experience and versatility, Van Dijk remains the senior reference point, and Leoni is progressing through the final stages of his recovery with hopes of returning by the end of September. In that context, Jacquet has given Iraola a genuine selection question ahead of the Premier League opener at Newcastle.

It also feeds into a broader issue that Liverpool must confront over the next year or so. Van Dijk’s influence remains enormous, but planning for the future of that position is essential. Jacquet’s emergence does not solve everything, but it does suggest Liverpool may already have one of the succession pieces in place.

Bradley Barcola interest points to major attacking move

With the defensive picture looking healthier, attention naturally turns towards the forward line. That is where Liverpool’s next significant move may come. Barcola is understood to be the leading target as the club continue to assess the market for a wide attacker, and discussions over both the France international and Mbaye indicate serious intent.

The context is straightforward. Mohamed Salah has left by mutual consent, and replacing his output is one of the defining tasks of Liverpool’s summer. That responsibility is too large to place on one player alone, but it explains why the club are exploring elite-level options. Barcola fits the profile of a high-end addition, while Mbaye represents another attacking talent under consideration as Liverpool weigh immediate impact against long-term upside.

There are moving parts here. Cody Gakpo scored against Como and also created Jacquet’s goal, which served as a timely reminder of his quality amid ongoing links elsewhere. Liverpool’s public stance is that there are no plans to sell him, though recruitment at wide forward can often reshape those calculations if the right offer arrives and a primary target becomes attainable.

This now feels like a significant week in Liverpool’s window. Barcola’s situation at PSG will be watched closely, and the absence of both him and Mbaye from the bench in their side’s friendly inevitably adds intrigue. Transfer business at this level is rarely linear, but Liverpool’s need is clear and the level of ambition appears equally obvious.

Alexander Isak primed for bigger role

If there is one player inside the current squad who can change the complexion of Liverpool’s season, it may be Alexander Isak. Last year never truly got going for the Sweden international after his £125 million move. Fitness concerns on arrival and then a broken fibula in December reduced his debut campaign to fragments, yielding only four goals across 22 appearances.

The difference in his condition this summer has been noticeable. He looks sharper, lighter and more confident in his movement. Against Como, he struck the post and showed encouraging signs over 83 minutes before being replaced by Will Wright. The goal did not come, but the broader impression was positive.

Liverpool need more than flashes from Isak this season. They need availability, authority and goals. With Salah gone, there is no escaping the reality that a large portion of Liverpool’s attacking ceiling may depend on whether Isak can deliver consistently. He has the talent to do so and now appears physically far better placed than he was 12 months ago.

There is also narrative in the fixture list. Opening the season away at Newcastle presents an immediate test and, for Isak, an immediate opportunity. Liverpool will travel there seeking a strong start under Iraola, and a decisive contribution from their central striker would shift the conversation around him quickly.

Attacking depth and selection picture taking shape

Elsewhere in attack, Liverpool are beginning to build a more competitive internal race for places. Victor Munoz has made a promising early impression after arriving from Osasuna and is viewed as another useful option in the wide areas. Rio Ngumoha remains part of the conversation, while Lewis Koumas has also enhanced his standing during pre-season after catching the coaching staff’s attention.

That does not remove the need for another senior attacking addition, especially if Liverpool are serious about competing at the top end domestically and in Europe. It does, however, give Iraola more to work with as the opening weeks approach. The defensive uncertainty has eased, the centre-forward looks in better condition, and the transfer market could yet provide another lift if the pursuit of Barcola or Mbaye advances.

For now, the main takeaway is that Liverpool look more settled than they did earlier this month. Jacquet’s debut has added encouragement where there was concern. Interest in Barcola underlines a determination to refresh the attack. And Isak’s improved sharpness offers the possibility of a very different season from the one he endured after arriving at Anfield.

The next few days may prove decisive on recruitment, particularly around the forward line. Yet even before any further business is completed, Liverpool have reasons to believe they are heading towards Newcastle in healthier shape than many anticipated.

Our View

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report is exactly the kind of update that sparks a bit of excitement before the serious business starts. Jacquet sounds like the biggest immediate positive. Fans always worry when a new season is close and there are injuries at centre-back, so seeing a young defender arrive and instantly look composed is massively reassuring. Nobody sensible will expect him to dominate from day one, but if he can settle quickly alongside Van Dijk, that changes the mood completely.

The Barcola angle is the one that really grabs attention, though. Replacing Salah was always going to be the biggest challenge of the summer, and while no single player can replicate everything he brought, Barcola feels like the sort of ambitious move supporters want to see. Young, quick, technical, and with scope to become elite, that is the profile Liverpool should be chasing.

Then there is Isak. Hope is probably the right word here. Last season was frustrating, but if he is fit and sharp now, Liverpool suddenly have a different level of threat through the middle. Supporters will look at this and think the foundations are there. Sort the winger situation, get the defence stable, and there is every reason to believe Iraola can guide Liverpool into the new season with real momentum.

Source: Daily Mail