2026-08-05 14:27:55

Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool’s leading attacking target as the Premier League champions prepare a blockbuster move for the Paris Saint-Germain winger after receiving encouragement that the France international is open to a switch to Anfield.

Liverpool are stepping up plans to strengthen their forward line before the new season, with the club readying an offer for Barcola, 23, after discussions with his representatives indicated he would welcome the opportunity to work under head coach Andoni Iraola.

According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain are expected to demand well in excess of £110 million for the winger, using the £117 million Chelsea paid Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers as a benchmark for his valuation.

Sources in France have also suggested PSG could seek as much as £145 million for the player, who is understood to be unwilling to sign a new contract with the French champions.

Liverpool have yet to indicate whether they would meet a fee that would set a new Premier League transfer record.

According to the reports, Barcola is ready for “the next phase” of his career in England after deciding against extending his stay in Paris.

The move would represent another statement of intent from Liverpool after a summer of major investment.

Twelve months ago, the club dominated the transfer market by signing Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in deals worth around £125 million and £116 million respectively.

Both players are expected to feature when Liverpool face Leeds United in a pre-season friendly in Chicago on Sunday.

Barcola has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Paris Saint-Germain, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers while helping the French club win the UEFA Champions League.

His pace, direct running and ability to play across the front line have attracted interest from several leading clubs, with Arsenal also linked with the France international in recent weeks.

Liverpool’s pursuit has, however, remained the most persistent.

The winger is represented by the same agency as Ousmane Dembélé, Eli Junior Kroupi and discussions with those representing the player have reportedly been positive.

Liverpool’s recruitment team has prioritised adding pace and attacking depth throughout the transfer window. The club had also monitored Ivory Coast international Yan Diomandé, but interest cooled after Liverpool assembled a package reportedly worth around £100 million.

Diomandé is now expected to join Real Madrid.

A number of other attacking players have also been linked with Liverpool during the summer, although the club has dismissed several reports.

Among those was Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his release clause.

Barcola’s name, however, has remained a constant feature throughout the window.

Liverpool’s pursuit also reflects the changes taking place under Iraola following his appointment at Anfield.

The Spaniard has been tasked with rebuilding and refreshing the squad after a disappointing campaign, and landing one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards would represent a significant boost as he begins reshaping the team.

The club has also undergone further change following the departure of Mohamed Salah, whose exit created a vacancy on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.

Replacing the influence of one of the Premier League’s greatest forwards has become a key priority, with Barcola viewed as a player capable of bringing the pace and attacking threat suited to Iraola’s preferred style.

Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Barcola is not new.

The France international was also linked with a move to Anfield last summer, when a fee of around £70 million was discussed.

Liverpool did not pursue the deal at that stage because of concerns that it could block the development pathway of Rio Ngumoha, who went on to make 29 appearances and earn England honours.

Should negotiations progress, Barcola is expected to be offered a contract of at least five years as Liverpool attempt to secure one of Europe’s most sought-after attacking talents before the transfer window closes.

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