Barcola 'farce' continues trend that has transformed Liverpool's reputation

Liverpool have long since judged their standards alongside those belonging to bitter rivals Manchester United.

European Cups, league title wins and the talents of managers and footballers alike have been barometers the two English giants like to measure themselves against.

Liverpool have held the upper hand in recent times. The Merseysiders have been English champions twice since United last managed the feat in 2013.

And have also won a sixth Champions League/European Cup, which is now double the amount of times United have lifted club football's biggest trophy.

And it wasn't too long ago Liverpool's owners were sitting back and watching United spend cash like it was going out of fashion, on expensive signings who turned out to be a complete waste of money.

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There is no point listing them. We don't have enough time.

In that same period, Liverpool conducted their own business with ruthless stealth. Big targets were kept under the radar, until a deal was so close to being completed it would be made public.

This happened with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson and Luis Diaz, to name but a few.

Liverpool resembled a well-oiled machine who got the job done - and on their terms. But times have changed.

Because in recent seasons Liverpool have decided to take a change of tact, not to mention a leaf out of United's soiled book.

We know new investor Jeff Bezos has more dollars than sense, but he's not been around long enough to be blamed for what can only be described as a haphazard approach to luring new talent to Anfield.

Last summer Liverpool broke the British transfer record not once, but twice in a matter of weeks. Florian Wirtz arrived for £116m, before Alexander Isak followed suit at a cost of £125m.

Both have been huge disappointments. And fast forward 12 months and Liverpool could be about to break their own record again.

Negotiations are taking place with PSG about a deal for Bradley Barcola, with a deal likely to come close to the fee paid to Newcastle for Isak.

Under normal circumstances, such a move would leave supporters feeling overwhelmed excitement.

The problem is, Liverpool have turned to Barcola in desperation less than a week before the transfer window closes, having pulled out of the bidding for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool bid £60m, but Brighton wanted £80m. Brighton's track record of making profit on previously unheralded talent is second to none.

But despite this, Brighton knew on this occasion at least, how desperate Liverpool had become - and looked to take full advantage. This isn't Brighton's fault. It's Liverpool's.

Liverpool have created a situation where every selling club now knows how keen they are to make quick signings. Millions will be added to the value of a target.

What makes the scenario even more baffling is that Liverpool knew in March Mo Salah would be leaving. How has it taken this long for them to attempt to sign another right winger?

The gaps in the squad are clear for all to see. New manager Andoni Iraola needs a new winger, defensive midfielder and forward.

But Liverpool have still not signed a player they've been negotiating for since the end of the World Cup. The situation is farcical.

But perhaps the most negligible aspect of the whole shambles is how owners FSG have allowed sporting director Richard Hughes to continue in charge of signings, despite the fact he's expected to leave in the coming weeks?

Should he have not been put on gardening leave instead?

Liverpool finished fifth in the table last season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. And nothing they've done this summer suggests this gap is going to be closed anytime soon.

Liverpool can change their squad all they like. But it's a change of approach to how this is done, which is needed the most.

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