Liverpool were prepared to hijack Barcelona’s move for Anthony Gordon in a sensational late transfer twist, but when their £65million pursuit fell flat, they responded by splashing almost double on Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool have never been strangers to dramatic twists in the transfer market, but fresh claims surrounding their pursuit of Anthony Gordon suggest the club's recruitment strategy could have looked very different.

According to journalist Paul Joyce, Liverpool made a late attempt to convince the England international to abandon a proposed move to Barcelona in favour of a switch to Anfield.

However, those efforts reportedly proved unsuccessful, leaving Liverpool to explore alternative options before eventually committing a significantly larger sum to secure Bradley Barcola.

The reported £65 million valuation attached to Gordon makes the situation particularly intriguing, especially given Liverpool's decision to invest almost double that figure in the French winger.

Gordon has long been a player capable of dividing opinion on Merseyside. Having emerged through Everton's academy before establishing himself at Newcastle United, the winger's connections to Liverpool's local rivals have always added another dimension to speculation surrounding a potential Anfield move.

Yet his footballing qualities are difficult to ignore. Blessed with explosive acceleration, relentless energy and a willingness to press opposition defenders, Gordon possesses several attributes that Liverpool have traditionally valued in their wide players.

His versatility across the attacking line would also have offered Andoni Iraola additional tactical flexibility.

For a reported £65 million, Liverpool may well have viewed the England international as an attractive option, particularly given his Premier League experience and understanding of the demands of English football.

Instead, Liverpool turned to Barcola, completing a deal worth up to £123 million, including add-ons, to bring the French international to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old arrived with considerable pedigree, having registered 39 goals and 35 assists in 152 appearances for PSG, alongside winning two Champions League titles. 

His arrival was supposed to inject fresh unpredictability into Liverpool's attack, but the early months have presented challenges.

Barcola has acknowledged that he is gradually adapting to Iraola's demanding system, while questions surrounding his productivity have already begun to surface. 

That inevitably invites comparisons with Gordon, whose established Premier League credentials might have offered Liverpool a more immediate solution.

Nevertheless, writing off Barcola after such a short period would be premature. Liverpool have invested in his long-term potential, not simply his ability to deliver overnight.

The real question is whether the Frenchman can eventually justify that enormous price tag and demonstrate why Liverpool were prepared to spend so heavily after missing out on Gordon.

For now, the transfer remains one of those fascinating footballing what-ifs. Liverpool wanted Gordon. Barcelona got their man.

And Barcola now carries the responsibility of proving that the expensive alternative was worth every penny.

Would you have preferred Liverpool to sign Gordon instead of Barcola? Leave your thoughts and comments below.