Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola
Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola
Liverpool is preparing an opening bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The France international has emerged as a primary target for Liverpool as the club seeks to replace Mohamed Salah, who departed at the end of the 2025-26 season. Barcola, who is 23 years old, has two years remaining on his current contract with PSG and is reportedly open to a move to Anfield for a new challenge.
PSG reportedly values Barcola at around £145m. However, Liverpool is aiming to secure a deal closer to the £100m mark. This potential fee would break the British transfer record. Other reports suggest PSG‘s valuation could be around €170m, with some sources indicating it might be €150m. Arsenal also holds an interest in Barcola.
Player profile and club interest
Barcola’s reported frustration stems from a lack of game time in significant matches. He has indicated he will not sign a new contract with PSG. The opportunity to join Liverpool is said to appeal to the player, who has been on the club’s radar for several years.
Barcola made 49 appearances for the French side last season, contributing 13 goals and 7 assists. He played a role in PSG retaining the Ligue 1 title and winning the Champions League. He predominantly plays from the left wing but can also operate on the opposite flank. His game time in the latter stages of PSG‘s Champions League run often came from the bench, particularly with the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025.
Barcola joined PSG in August 2023 after breaking into Lyon‘s first team in the 2021-22 season. He recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances before joining PSG in August 2023. He has since made 152 appearances for the Paris club, scoring 39 times and providing 37 assists. He was part of Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring in all eight France fixtures and scoring three times.
Transfer market context
The pursuit of a winger has been a priority for Liverpool since Mo Salah‘s departure. Initially, Liverpool had targeted RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande, but a bid for the winger was rejected, and he is now reportedly set to join Real Madrid. Liverpool then turned its attention to Barcola, whom they have tracked since his emergence at Lyon.
The success of Andoni Iraola‘s teams at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano has been attributed to the pace, energy, and work-rate of his wingers. Barcola could therefore be a key component in the new Liverpool manager’s strategy. Securing Barcola’s services would be considered a significant acquisition for the club, particularly given his two Champions League titles.
Some fans have expressed surprise at PSG‘s valuation of Barcola. One fan commented that the price seemed high, especially when considering Vinicius Jr‘s reported valuation of £137m. Another fan suggested that while Barcola would be a good signing, he is not worth close to £100m, let alone £145m, and that Liverpool should consider other options if PSG does not accept a maximum of £70m.
The player’s potential is highlighted by his skills, which have been developed under Luis Enrique. Despite not being a guaranteed starter at PSG, his pace, physicality, and intelligence are noted attributes. Arsenal continues to monitor the situation of Vinicius Jr, who has a year left on his contract with Real Madrid, but Real Madrid has no intention of selling him and is confident he will agree to a new contract.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
