Bradley Barcola remains a Paris Saint-Germain player as the transfer window enters its final days, but Liverpool's links with the French international have not gone away. The 23-year-old's name has continued to come up in discussions of the Reds' potential attacking additions, even after Andoni Iraola added Victor Munoz to the squad.
With Mohamed Salah leaving and Cody Gakpo attracting interest, Barcola has been a recurring target - especially since early summer target Yan Diomande joined Real Madrid. Barcola showed his quality at the World Cup, helping France reach the semi-finals, and was part of another victorious Champions League run, setting up Ousmane Dembele's clincher when PSG won at Anfield in the quarter-finals.
PSG hold firm on valuation
Despite bringing in more than £130m through the sales of Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Lee Kang-in this summer, PSG are not coming down on their valuation of Barcola. According to The Athletic, they are holding out for £145m for a player who cost them just under £40m when he joined from Lyon in 2023.
PSG have added to their attacking ranks this summer, bringing in Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts. They are likely to point to Barcola's output, with the winger averaging a goal or assist every 118 minutes in PSG colours. However, Liverpool are not expected to entertain a move at that price point.
Barcola open to Liverpool move
The same Athletic report points to Barcola's team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye as another potential Liverpool target. While a move for the Senegalese youngster has been explored, reports elsewhere of an agreement on personal terms appear to be wide of the mark.
While work may need to be done when it comes to a transfer fee, the ECHO understands Barcola himself is open to joining Liverpool's squad. This could end up being the key to a deal, even if the Reds are made to wait until the eleventh hour. Last summer, the club were prepared to go right to the wire in their pursuit of Alexander Isak, whose £125m move went through at the very last minute.
Luis Enrique's stance
While a resolution is awaited, PSG boss Luis Enrique has been reluctant to use Barcola. The winger was an unused substitute against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup and was left out entirely against Lens in the Trophee des Champions, France's equivalent of the Community Shield.
“I will speak about the transfer window when it is finished,” the Spanish coach said, leaving the press conference room without providing any additional information on Barcola or on Mbaye, who was also absent from the squad. Premier League clubs have until 11pm on September 1 to complete their summer business, while Ligue 1 clubs have one day less to make additions.
