Bradley Barcola could be the most expensive transfer of this summer window, with Liverpool chasing his signature. The Reds have identified Barcola as their No.1 priority following Mohamed Salah's departure as a free agent.
Liverpool told RB Leipzig they would pay about £86 million for Yan Diomande, following the £34.5 million capture of Victor Munoz. However, Diomande now looks set to join Real Madrid after they moved into pole position over the weekend.
Barcola's PSG future uncertain
With Barcola having indicated to PSG that he does not intend to sign a new deal, Liverpool appear to be in pole position to land the France international. Although formal discussions have not yet started, any deal for the winger is expected to cost north of £100 million.
Barcola would be a coup for the Reds, having played a role in PSG's back-to-back Champions League successes. The 23-year-old moved to Paris from Olympique Lyonnais in summer 2023 for a reported €45 million. Since then, he has won three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France trophies, two Champions Leagues, and the UEFA Super Cup.
However, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's arrival from Napoli in January 2025 established him as first choice on the left.
Mbappe's verdict
Kylian Mbappe, speaking in summer 2024, delivered a glowing verdict of Barcola. He said: "I'm happy for him. Before being a very good player, he's a very good guy, so I really wish him all the best."
Mbappe added: "He has enormous potential. He's at a great club where he can progress, develop, and play in big matches. All I wish for him is to continue like this and do even better because I think he can do even better. What he's doing is fantastic. I've seen the matches, except for the last one because we were playing at the same time.
"He's gaining a lot more confidence, he has confidence in his football, and his teammates have confidence in him. It's great news for him, for PSG, and of course for us, the French national team."
