Liverpool are preparing an official bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, sources told ESPN. The Reds have held preliminary talks with his representatives, and the player is keen on a move to Anfield.
Liverpool have been in the market for a new elite winger following the departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of last season. Salah agreed to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early, leaving a significant gap in the attack.
Barcola, a France international, made 49 appearances for PSG last season, registering 13 goals and seven assists. He helped the club retain both the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League. However, competition in wide areas with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué limited his game time. Sources told ESPN he is eager for a new challenge.
Barcola, who scored three goals in eight appearances for France at this summer’s World Cup, predominantly plays on the left but can also operate on the right. He has made clear he will not sign a new contract at PSG, with his current deal extending only to 2028. Therefore, PSG are open to a sale on the right terms, with figures quoted around £145 million.
Liverpool’s pursuit comes as they missed out on Yan Diomande, who looks bound for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, PSG are planning to restock their attack after losing Lee Kang-In to Atletico Madrid and Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan. They have targeted Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco, but their bids have been rejected.
Liverpool are also in the running for Akliouche, a full France international who profiles as a playmaker similar to Salah. According to Loic Tanzi of L’Equipe, PSG submitted a third offer of €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses, which Monaco again rejected. Monaco are determined not to sell for less than their asking price.
A report from Get French Football suggests Liverpool may now have a pathway to signing Akliouche if PSG fail to reach an agreement. However, the door may also be opening for Liverpool to secure Barcola, as PSG’s attention turns elsewhere.