Liverpool has spent over £100m on players twice before, acquiring midfielder Florian Wirtz and striker Alexander Isak. They may be set to do so once again.
Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who represents France, has emerged as a primary target for Liverpool. The Reds are willing to offer around £100m, while PSG is holding out for approximately £145m.
Advertisement
Barcola, known for his speed, directness, and skill, has accumulated several club trophies and is recognized for his ability to take on defenders and dribble through them.
He played as a substitute in both of the last two Champions League finals, contributing to PSG’s dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2024-25 season and their recent penalty shootout win against Arsenal to retain their title.
Having moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m, Barcola has won three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup since his arrival.
Though he is predominantly right-footed and prefers to play on the left wing, Barcola can also operate on the right or through the middle. At PSG, he faces competition for playtime from fellow wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, which limits his chances of playing a full match. A transfer to Anfield could offer him increased playing opportunities.
Advertisement
With Mohamed Salah leaving on a free transfer after a prolific nine-year career with 257 goals for the Reds, Liverpool is in dire need of attacking reinforcements.
Additionally, Hugo Ekitike suffered an Achilles injury in April and is expected to be sidelined until 2026. Although Cody Gakpo can also play on the left and through the middle, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham, although Liverpool reportedly does not want to part with him.
In the international arena, Barcola has played 28 matches for France, scoring three goals during this summer’s World Cup, including one in the thrilling 6-4 defeat to England in the third-fourth playoff.
However, like at the club level, his minutes were curtailed due to the talents of PSG teammate Doue. Coach Didier Deschamps rotated Barcola and Doue, but they never started together, as Deschamps favored Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele on the right side.