Bradley Barcola's future at Paris Saint-Germain has become uncertain as contract negotiations have stalled, opening the door for Liverpool to consider a move for the France international. The 22-year-old winger, who joined PSG from Lyon for £40 million in 2023, has seen his status at the club shift dramatically over the past year.
Barcola's Stellar Season Sparks Contract Talks
After a grueling 73-game campaign, Barcola emerged as a key figure for PSG, contributing 21 goals and 21 assists as the club won the Champions League under Luis Enrique. His performances led to speculation about a new contract, with French publication L'Equipe reporting that he could "name his price" in the summer of 2025. The outlet described it as "undoubtedly the most burning issue to manage for the Parisian leaders." Barcola was reportedly in a position to "aim for the top five salaries of the capital club."
Contract Impasse at PSG
Eleven months on, however, Barcola remains on the same terms he signed upon arrival from Lyon. PSG's efforts to secure his long-term future have so far failed, creating uncertainty about his role at the club. With PSG boasting a wealth of attacking talent—including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele—Barcola has often been used from the bench. The club is also reportedly eyeing Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, which could further limit his playing time.
Liverpool's Interest and Transfer Strategy
Liverpool were linked with Barcola last summer, but the club's focus was on other targets, including Florian Wirtz (£116m), Hugo Ekitike (£79m), and Alexander Isak (£125m from Newcastle). However, with the Reds increasingly resigned to losing their primary target, Yan Diomande, to PSG, alternatives are being assessed. Diomande, valued at £100m, is keen on a move to Paris, prompting Liverpool to look elsewhere.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the club's summer transfer strategy has been described as "wingers, wingers, wingers." Barcola ranks highly on the list of alternatives, having signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna earlier this month. The France international's pace and output—25 goals and 13 assists across the last two full Ligue 1 seasons—address a clear need for Liverpool following Mohamed Salah's impending departure.
Replacing Mohamed Salah
Salah confirmed during the March international break that this would be his final season at Anfield, allowing Liverpool to plan his replacement. The club decided that more was needed from £125m signing Alexander Isak, whose debut campaign was hampered by injuries. To maximize Isak's potential, Liverpool aim to provide service from wide players who can share the goal-scoring burden. Barcola's pace and creativity make him an ideal candidate to supply Isak, who scored 44 Premier League goals in his final two seasons at Newcastle.
Agent Connections Could Facilitate Move
Transfermarkt notes that Barcola is represented by the Portuguese agency Gestifute, with whom Liverpool have a long-standing relationship. The club was impressed by the agency's discretion during the £40m signing of Fabinho in 2018 and the £45m deal for Diogo Jota in 2020. These connections could prove integral as Liverpool pivot from Diomande to Barcola.
Liverpool had communicated a willingness to pay up to £86m for Diomande earlier this month, but a move for Barcola would be significantly cheaper, given his contract situation. With PSG's crowded forward line and Barcola's desire for regular playing time, a transfer could benefit all parties.
