Liverpool ready to move after early contact with Barcola’s camp
Liverpool are preparing to open talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible transfer for Bradley Barcola, with the Premier League club ready to make their interest official.
The Reds have already held initial discussions with the player’s representatives and are now understood to have an opening offer prepared. The next step would be a formal approach to PSG as Liverpool look to strengthen an area that has become a major priority since the departure of Mo Salah.
Barcola has been on Liverpool’s shortlist for several years, but the situation now appears more open. The 23 year old has two years remaining on his contract in Paris and has indicated that he does not intend to sign an extension.
A lack of regular minutes in the biggest matches is believed to be one of the main reasons behind his stance. The chance to move to Anfield is said to appeal to the France international, especially if he can secure a more central role in a new project.
The key issue will be PSG’s asking price. The French champions signed Barcola for around £40m in 2023, and his value has risen sharply since then. Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that PSG could value him as high as £145m, around €170m. Other sources have suggested the figure may be closer to £128.5m, around €150m.
Why Barcola fits Liverpool’s attacking plans
Liverpool’s interest is tied closely to the type of winger Andoni Iraola has used successfully in his previous teams. At Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano, his sides relied heavily on wide players with pace, intensity and strong work rate.
Barcola fits that profile. He is quick, direct, physically strong and capable of carrying the ball into dangerous areas. His development under Luis Enrique has also improved his tactical awareness, making him more than just a winger who depends on speed.
For Liverpool, he could become an important part of the new attacking structure. Replacing Salah’s influence is not a simple task, but the club appears to be looking for a forward who can offer energy, width and long term growth rather than a like for like replacement.
Barcola also brings major winning experience despite his age. He has collected nine major trophies across the last two years, including two Champions League titles. That record shows the level of player Liverpool are trying to bring to Anfield.
Still, his role at PSG has not always matched his status. Although he has already achieved a lot, he was used from the bench in both recent Champions League finals. The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in January 2025 made competition on the left side even tougher and pushed Barcola further away from being the clear first choice.
Arsenal keep Barcola on their list
Arsenal also retain interest in Barcola and could become a factor if they decide to step up their pursuit. The north London club have been assessing several high profile attacking options, with Vinicius Junior among the names monitored.
However, Real Madrid have no plans to sell Vinicius this summer and remain confident he will agree a new contract. His current deal has one year left, which is why Arsenal have continued to follow the situation, but the Spanish club’s position makes any deal extremely difficult.
Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth said Arsenal are still watching Vinicius Junior’s contract situation but are also working across several possible targets at the same time. According to him, sporting director Andrea Berta prefers to move multiple options forward rather than focus everything on one player.
Barcola is one of those options. His position at PSG has become more uncertain because he does not want another season where he is left on the bench for the biggest fixtures. That frustration could make him available if PSG decide to negotiate.
Huge fee could decide the direction of the transfer race
Barcola could become one of the most expensive signings of the summer window if PSG hold firm on their valuation. Liverpool are ready to test the situation, but the final shape of any deal will depend on whether the French club are willing to lower their demands.
The winger’s appeal is clear. He is already a Champions League winner, an established France international and a player with room to grow further. At the same time, his lack of guaranteed starts at PSG has created an opening for clubs who can offer him a bigger role.
Liverpool appear prepared to act first, while Arsenal continue to monitor their attacking options. If PSG soften their stance, Barcola could become one of the central names of the transfer window.
