Liverpool are preparing to enter formal discussions with Paris Saint-Germain about the possible signing of French winger Bradley Barcola. After an initial round of conversations with the player's representatives, the English club has drafted a preliminary offer and is ready to make an official approach.
The pursuit of a wide‑player has become a priority for Jurgen Klopp’s side ever since Mohamed Salah departed, and Barcola has been on Liverpool’s scouting radar for several seasons. Barcola, who is 23, still has two years remaining on his PSG contract but has signalled that he does not intend to renew, frustrated by limited minutes on the pitch. The prospect of moving to Anfield appears to be attractive to him, offering a chance to become a regular starter in a top‑flight league. The main obstacle to any deal will be how much Paris Saint‑Germain are willing to lower the price tag on a player they bought for roughly £40 million in the summer of 2023.
Transfer valuations have been inflated this window. Sky Sports News reported on Tuesday that PSG’s internal assessment of the France international could be as high as £145 million (€170 million), while other sources suggest a figure closer to £128.5 million (€150 million).
If Liverpool can persuade the French club to accept a reduced fee, the move could become financially viable. Andoni Iraola, who has built successful squads at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano on the basis of quick, energetic wingers, is likely to value Barcola’s pace and work‑rate. Adding a player of Barcola’s profile could provide the missing piece in Iraola’s new Liverpool blueprint, giving the team a fresh attacking outlet on the left flank.
Barcola’s résumé is impressive for a player of his age. In the past two seasons he has collected nine major trophies, including back‑to‑back Champions League titles with PSG, underscoring the calibre of talent Liverpool hope to bring to Anfield. Arsenal have also been linked with the winger, indicating that multiple Premier League clubs view him as a potential game‑changer. However, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has expressed doubts about Barcola being a direct replacement for Salah.
In a Sky Sports post on X, Carragher questioned why Liverpool were targeting a left‑winger when the squad lacks depth on the opposite side. He noted, "He plays on the opposite flank!" and highlighted that Liverpool currently have three players—Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz—who can operate on the left, but no established right‑wing option. Carragher further argued that Ngumoha has always been a left‑footed player, Gakpo might shift positions, and Wirtz’s role remains uncertain, leaving a genuine need for a right‑handed winger. In a detailed interview, Adam Bate, who previously coached Barcola at the Paris Saint‑Germain academy, examined the Frenchman’s strengths and weaknesses.
Bate suggested that Barcola could become the most expensive signing of the summer if Liverpool or Arsenal secure his services. He praised Barcola’s blend of speed, physicality and football intelligence, attributes honed under the guidance of Luis Enrique.
Although Barcola was a substitute in both of PSG’s recent Champions League finals—behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who arrived from Napoli in January 2025—Bate argued that his talent is undeniable and that a move to the Premier League could unlock his full potential. The broader transfer landscape also features other high‑profile names. Sky Sports News confirmed that Vinícius Júnior will remain at Real Madrid beyond the current window, despite Arsenal’s interest and the Brazilian’s contract expiring in a year.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly adopting a multi‑target strategy, keeping several options open, with Barcola among the players under close observation. Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports noted that Arsenal’s approach is to line up three or four possible deals, then decide which one to pursue, rather than placing all their hopes on a single target. If Liverpool succeed in negotiating a reduced fee with PSG, Barcola could join a squad that is actively reshaping its attacking structure. The winger’s ability to stretch defenses, deliver quality crosses and cut inside to shoot would complement the existing forward line, which includes Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and the emerging talent of Mohamed Salah’s former understudy.
Moreover, his experience in high‑pressure European finals could bring a winning mentality to a Liverpool side eager to reclaim domestic and continental glory. In summary, Liverpool’s imminent approach to PSG signals a serious intent to add Bradley Barcola to the roster. The deal hinges on PSG’s willingness to lower their valuation, the Premier League club’s capacity to meet the financial demands, and the player’s desire for regular first‑team football.
While critics like Carragher question the positional fit, the potential upside—both in terms of talent and marketability—makes Barcola a compelling target. Should the transfer materialise, it would not only bolster Liverpool’s wing options but also intensify the competition for Premier League signings as Arsenal and other clubs continue to monitor the Frenchman's situation.