Liverpool look set to make one of the biggest statements of the summer transfer window as they step up their pursuit of PSG star Bradley Barcola.
The France international has emerged as a priority target for the Reds, with several reliable reports suggesting Liverpool are preparing an initial bid worth around £100m.
PSG are thought to value the 23-year-old significantly higher, at around £145m, but there are growing fears that talks could accelerate after Barcola was reported to be keen on a move to Anfield rather than penning a new deal in Paris.
Replacing a talented player like Mohamed Salah was never easy.
League form (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Stagger |
App (launch) | 29(21) |
the goal | 11 |
assist | 1 |
Number of shots (on target) | 2.3 (1.1) |
missed a big opportunity | 15 |
exact path | 20.8 (83%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 11 |
key pass | 1.3 |
Successful. dribble | 1.2 (41%) |
Number of balls collected | 2.0 |
Def. contribution | 1.6 |
won a duel | 3.0 (43%) |
The Egyptian established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, winning trophies at an astonishing rate with 257 goals and 123 assists over eight seasons.
It would be almost impossible to find another player capable of making such an impact, so Liverpool’s reinforcements appear to be focused on securing one of Europe’s best young forwards, rather than looking for a direct equivalent.
Barcola has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players since joining PSG from Lyon in 2023.
Most effective starting on the left, he combines explosive speed, intelligent movement and excellent one-on-one ability. He is equally dangerous driving inside with his stronger right foot or attacking the byline before feeding a cross into the penalty area.
His development under Luis Enrique has made him a more complete forward.
Barcola has improved his defensive work, pressing more aggressively without the ball and regularly making breakthrough runs in behind. Those qualities fit perfectly with the hard-hitting front-foot style that Andoni Iraola wants in his Liverpool side.
Liverpool’s confidence seems to come from the players’ own stance.
According to reports, Barcola has revealed that he is open to joining the Premier League and considers Liverpool an attractive destination. He has two years left on his contract and the Reds believe PSG’s reported valuation of around £145m is excessive and hope they can eventually agree a figure closer to £100m.
Whether the French champions soften their position remains the biggest obstacle to a deal.
Despite Liverpool’s determination to sign Barcola, not everyone is convinced that he meets the club’s biggest need.
Jamie Carragher talks about Liverpool’s ‘big’ problem with signing Barcola
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher questioned whether another natural left-winger should be a priority for Liverpool’s squad.
While the former Reds defender insists that Iraola’s current balance of attacking options is skewed towards the left, he believes complementing Salah’s influence on the right should remain the club’s top priority.
“He’s a left winger for me and the big thing that stands out for me at Liverpool right now is replacing Mo Salah on the right wing,” Carragher said on Sky.
“I don’t think there’s a player in the Liverpool team who would be completely comfortable playing on the right.
“On the other hand, at the moment I think we probably have at least four players before Barcola comes in. If Barcola comes in, they will be comfortable playing on the left.
“I’m not saying any of these players are better than Barcola, but in terms of the balance of the team, that’s not the position Liverpool need right now.”
His comments have sparked an interesting debate regarding Liverpool’s recruitment strategy.
From a tactical standpoint, Barcola’s strongest position has traditionally been on the left flank, but he has shown throughout his career that he can move across the front line if necessary.
Iraola may believe his pace and ability to attack defenders on his own outweigh any concerns about positional balance.
Liverpool’s recruitment team certainly seems convinced.
Barcora is reportedly keen on a move and is preparing to make an opening offer, with the coming days potentially deciding whether one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards becomes the latest addition to Anfield.
