Former France international Louis Saha has described Bradley Barcola as a potential "top level signing" for Liverpool, dismissing concerns that the winger can only operate on the left flank.
The Reds have been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for several weeks after Barcola indicated he would be open to a move to Anfield before the transfer window closes on September 1. The France forward is seeking a fresh challenge and more regular minutes after making clear he will not sign a new contract in the French capital.
PSG's £145m valuation and Liverpool's negotiations
PSG value Barcola at around £145m, and Liverpool have been negotiating for weeks as they attempt to reduce the valuation of the forward, who has two years left on his deal. Despite PSG's significant additions to their forward ranks this summer, including Mika Godts, Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche, Barcola has fallen down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes.
Champions League holders PSG have strengthened their attacking options to provide competition for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, leaving Barcola further from regular starts. However, Liverpool appear no closer to an agreement for a player they have earmarked as their top target.
Saha's verdict on Barcola's versatility
Speaking to Mr Gamble, Saha said: "Bradley Barcola would be a top level signing. He’s quick, he can provide assists to other players and score goals as well, so it’s easy to see why Arsenal and Liverpool are taking a look at him."
The former Manchester United and Everton striker also addressed the idea that Barcola can only perform on the left, saying: "He can cross the ball really well. So yes, Barcola can play whether he’s on the left side or the right side, and it is too restrictive to think a player can only play on one side or another."
Saha added: "It is these ideas that are killing the game. Players should not be defining themselves in this way. You’re a left-sided player? No, no. Please! Stop that. Look at Sadio Mane. He played on the right for Liverpool. They signed Mohamed Salah so he played on the left."
He also referenced Kylian Mbappe's positional flexibility: "In his first World Cup tournament for France, Kylian Mbappe played on the right. He was playing on the left in his second World Cup. In his third World Cup this summer, he was the striker."
Comparisons and transfer context
Saha compared Barcola's attributes to Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, saying: "[Barcola] is such a talent. He is a powerful runner with quality off the ball that reminds me of Federico Valverde but a bit quicker. If he was a bit stronger, he could play in midfield as well. Barcola is able to make these runs that are very damaging for any opposition, and he is so technically strong in the final third."
On the wider transfer landscape, Saha warned Manchester United against overpaying: "Manchester United need a player like Barcola too but they must look at every parameter around the deal. The agent is playing all the cards they can to increase the price. Look at Arsenal and Vinicius Jnr. That’s not something United should be dragged into. Those times are over."
