Liverpool-linked winger Bradley Barcola will be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to reports. The Frenchman has become the topic of speculation over a Premier League move in recent months, with the Reds and top-flight rivals Arsenal mentioned as potential destinations.
PSG's Stance on Barcola
L'Equipe has reported that the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave the two-time Champions League winners after becoming a back-up to Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Liverpool are on the hunt for reinforcements in wide areas following the departure of Mohamed Salah and their attacking struggles this term.
The French outlet has claimed that the forward is currently at loggerheads with the Parisiens as he enters the final two years of his deal in the capital. Talks over fresh terms were put on hold during the closing months as they focused on successfully defending the Champions League, but before then, no progress had been made. Now, L'Equipe is said to understand that there has been no breakthrough in talks.
Enrique's Previous Comments
Luis Enrique is reportedly keen to keep Barcola, but the club are no longer closed to the idea of selling the winger, with the Reds and Arsenal said to be interested. An exit for Barcola would come somewhat as a surprise after the PSG head coach claimed last year that the winger was a player that he had been "banking on," reiterating his desire to keep the attacker. Enrique said: "Bradley Barcola's future? I have no doubt he'll remain our player. We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years."
Liverpool's Summer Plans
Liverpool have been credited as long-standing suitors for the 23-year-old. The ECHO reported this week that a forward or two are on the agenda for Andoni Iraola's side, with RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande among them. Talks are ongoing with the Ivorian, who is also said to be courted by the French giants, but the German club are not under any pressure to sanction a sale. They have been widely reported to want to retain the 19-year-old and extend his stay with Die Roten Bullen.
It will be an interesting summer from a Liverpool perspective as they get to grips with wholesale changes on Merseyside. As well as the departures of three key figures and influential members of the dressing room in the form of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate, there is a new head coach at the helm. Iraola faces pressure of making the step up to a bigger Premier League club after three successful seasons with Bournemouth. Now, the Basque tactician will need to contend with competing on four fronts, with the added complication of competing in the Champions League and guiding the six-time winners to a seventh European crown.
