Liverpool are reportedly preparing an initial offer for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, following discussions with the player’s representatives. Barcola has emerged as a primary target for Liverpool as they aim to bolster Andoni Iraola’s squad with a proven winger ahead of the upcoming season.
The France international is understood to be receptive to a move to Anfield. Reports indicate that Liverpool received encouragement regarding his willingness to join the Premier League, and the club is expected to submit a bid in the coming days. PSG has reportedly set a valuation for Barcola in the region of £145m, which, if met, would constitute a British record transfer fee.
Valuation and contract status
Barcola currently has two years remaining on his contract with the European champions. However, he is believed to have declined an offer for an extension, reportedly due to a decrease in his playing time within Luis Enrique’s team. While PSG values the player at approximately £145m, Liverpool reportedly does not intend to meet this figure, aiming for a deal closer to £100m.
The player has reportedly expressed his desire to seek a new challenge on Merseyside and has made it clear he will not sign a new contract with PSG. This stance from Barcola could influence negotiations between the two clubs.
Last season, Barcola made 49 appearances for the French side, contributing 13 goals and seven assists. He played a significant role as PSG secured the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League. He primarily operates from the left wing but can also play on the opposite flank.
Barcola is a product of Lyon’s academy, where he broke into the first team during the 2021-22 season. He registered seven goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances for Lyon before transferring to PSG in August 2023. Since joining the Paris club, he has made 152 appearances, scoring 39 times and providing 37 assists.
Squad strengthening efforts
The forward was included in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, featuring in all eight France fixtures and scoring three goals. Securing Barcola’s services would be a significant acquisition for Liverpool, particularly as they look to replace Mohamed Salah, who departed the club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Initially, Liverpool had shown interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. However, their bid for the Ivorian winger was rejected, and Diomande is now reportedly close to joining Real Madrid. Liverpool subsequently shifted their focus to Barcola, having tracked his progress since his breakthrough at Lyon.
This summer, Liverpool has already signed the versatile forward Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna and finalised Jérémy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes for an initial £55m. However, the club is seeking further reinforcements in both attack and defence, with Iraola reportedly concerned about his defensive options.
If Liverpool successfully agrees on a fee with PSG, it would be a notable achievement for new head coach Andoni Iraola. While Muñoz, who arrived from Osasuna last month, represents untapped potential, Barcola is considered a more developed player who could immediately enhance Liverpool’s frontline with pace and quality.
The verbal agreement between Barcola and Liverpool has been reported, but the clubs remain apart on the final valuation.
Source: theguardian.com
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
