The summer transfer window is entering its final stretch, and Liverpool are pulling out all the stops. Mohamed Salah has gone. Cody Gakpo could be on his way out too. And in their place, the Reds have identified one man to fill the void: Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old PSG and France winger has become Liverpool’s No.1 priority. But securing his signature means doing battle with one of Europe’s most stubborn negotiators — and potentially breaking the club’s transfer record in the process.
Here’s everything you need to know about the saga that’s gripping Anfield.
The Record Fee: What Liverpool Are Willing to Pay
Let’s start with the numbers, because they’re staggering.
PSG initially valued Barcola at €170m (£145m) — a fee that would have smashed Liverpool’s existing club record of £130m for Alexander Isak. The Reds walked away from that. But they haven’t walked away from the player.
Since then, the two clubs have been locked in intense negotiations. Liverpool opened with bids in the £86-100m range. They’ve since increased their offer to €115m (£98m), with some reports suggesting they’ve gone as high as €135m (£115m).
And they’re not done yet. According to multiple sources, Liverpool are willing to go up to £120m. PSG, for their part, have climbed down from their original £145m demand to somewhere in the £110m-£125m range.
The gap is closing. But it’s not closed yet.
Why Barcola? The Mo Salah Replacement
Barcola isn’t just a name on a list. He’s a specific answer to a specific problem.
As former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock put it: “The one thing that Liverpool were desperately missing last year was a player that can take people on, that can change games on their own, singlehandedly. I think we know Barcola can do that.”
The France international has won the Champions League twice with PSG and is a regular starter for his country. Last season, despite playing fewer than 3,000 minutes across nearly 50 games, he still contributed to 20 goals.
He’s electric, direct, and capable of playing on both flanks. He’s exactly the kind of wide attacker Liverpool have been missing since Salah’s departure.
The Man Who Wants Out
Here’s the crucial detail that gives Liverpool hope: Barcola wants this move.
The 23-year-old has made it clear he has no intention of signing a new contract at the Parc des Princes, despite having two years remaining on his current deal. He has informed PSG that he wants to move to Anfield, and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
PSG, meanwhile, have effectively frozen him out. Barcola was left on the bench for the UEFA Super Cup and omitted entirely from the squad for the Trophée des Champions. Manager Luis Enrique’s message was telling:
“When a player doesn’t want to come here, or doesn’t have a smile on their face about being here, it is better to find another solution.”
The writing is on the wall. Barcola is leaving. The only question is where — and for how much.
The Double Deal: Mbaye Too?
Liverpool aren’t stopping at one PSG winger. They’re also chasing Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese forward.
A combined £155m double deal has been mooted, with PSG wanting £43-50m for Mbaye and Liverpool hoping to strike a deal closer to £30m. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed with the teenager.
But here’s the twist: transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that while Liverpool are pushing hard for Barcola, a move for Mbaye looks unlikely at this stage. The priority is clear: the France international comes first.
The Arsenal Wrinkle
Liverpool aren’t the only ones circling. Arsenal have also made a late move for Barcola. The Gunners, who have already spent big on Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa this summer, are monitoring the situation closely.
But Barcola’s preference is reportedly Anfield. And with Liverpool willing to go to £120m, they remain the favourites to land their man.
Will It Happen?
The BBC’s verdict is cautiously optimistic: “The pursuit of Barcola is dragging on but it is very likely that both PSG and Liverpool come to an agreement this summer for the French winger.”
Liverpool reporter David Lynch has gone further, suggesting the deal could soon be considered a “done deal”. Former Red Stephen Warnock believes the move is “imminent”.
The key questions remain:
Will Liverpool go to £120m? They’re willing, but will PSG accept?
Can they bridge the final gap? PSG have come down from £145m to around £110-125m. Liverpool have gone up from £86m to £115m. A compromise feels inevitable.
Will Arsenal hijack the deal? Unlikely, given Barcola’s preference for Liverpool.
One thing is certain: the battle for Barcola is entering its final phase. With the September 1 deadline looming, Liverpool are running out of time. But they’re also running out of excuses.
As Warnock concluded: “Not being involved for the French Cup, it looks like it’s imminent.”
Liverpool open their Premier League season against Newcastle on Sunday. Whether Bradley Barcola will be watching from the stands — or from the pitch — remains to be seen.
