Liverpool are reportedly leading the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the French club valuing the 23-year-old at €170m. This development comes as Liverpool seeks to strengthen their attacking options following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
According to reports, Barcola has indicated that Liverpool is his priority if a deal can be finalised with PSG. The Reds have been working on the transfer since April, with Barcola reportedly open to the move and giving preference to the Premier League side’s project.
Barcola’s Impact and PSG’s Stance
Bradley Barcola has had several impactful seasons with PSG, contributing to back-to-back Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. He has recorded 50 goal involvements over the past two campaigns, showcasing his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. His performances at the World Cup this summer further highlighted his development.
Despite his importance, PSG is reportedly prepared to sell Barcola, particularly if he does not intend to renew his contract in Paris. The club’s valuation of €170m reflects his status as a Champions League winner and a strong World Cup performer at just 23 years old. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is expected to be directly involved in any exit discussions.
PSG‘s willingness to sell could also be influenced by their pursuit of other wingers, such as RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande and Monaco‘s Maghnes Akliouche. If PSG were to sign additional attacking talent, Barcola‘s playing time could be further restricted, as he is currently considered fourth-choice behind Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué.
Liverpool’s Search for Attacking Reinforcements
Liverpool‘s new manager, Andoni Iraola, has emphasised the need for a new winger. The club has already signed 23-year-old Victor Muñoz for $46 million, but additional reinforcements are sought to address a perceived lack of depth and quality in wide forward positions, especially after Mohamed Salah‘s departure.
Salah, who left Liverpool as a free agent, is currently awaiting a decision from Besiktas after they submitted their final offer. His exit has intensified Liverpool‘s search for a replacement. While RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande was initially a top target for the Reds, interest from PSG and Real Madrid has complicated that pursuit.
Liverpool‘s current wide options include Cody Gakpo and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Federico Chiesa is also likely to leave Anfield this summer. The potential addition of Barcola could significantly bolster Iraola‘s attacking lineup, which could also feature Alexander Isak as a central striker and Florian Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai in behind.
Other clubs are also reportedly interested in Barcola, including Arsenal. Arsenal and Liverpool are also among the clubs interested in Barcola, who PSG wants £145m for. Meanwhile, Arsenal is looking to accelerate talks for Newcastle‘s 28-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who wants his future resolved in the next week before returning for pre-season training.
In other transfer news, Real Madrid has set a price of 160m euros (£137m) for 26-year-old Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, despite his priority being a new deal at Real Madrid. Tottenham are reportedly favourites to sign 22-year-old Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City. Real Madrid has also agreed personal terms with 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Al-Hilal has opened talks to sign 26-year-old Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. Chelsea is expected to demand a significant fee for 26-year-old Portugal winger Pedro Neto, with interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Saudi Arabian teams. Bournemouth is not looking to sell 20-year-old French striker Junior Kroupi despite interest from Barcelona. Fulham is a leading option for 18-year-old Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono if Real Madrid loans him out next season. Juventus is working on a deal to sign 25-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Lastly, 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha wants to remain at Bayern Munich, but the club is looking to sell him.
Source: bbc.co.uk