Bradley Barcola could give a big hint over his future on Wednesday when PSG face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup. Liverpool's summer-long chase for the winger has overshadowed their transfer business, and his involvement in the starting XI could signal whether PSG intend to keep him.
Barcola's Role in Super Cup Could Decide Transfer
Barcola, who reportedly has a £145 million price tag, is in the squad for the reigning European champions' tie against Europa League winners Villa. If he starts, it could signal PSG's intention to keep the 23-year-old, potentially forcing Liverpool to pay a hefty fee. Reports suggest a deal could cost between £128m and £145m, with Barcola keen on a move to Merseyside.
If Barcola is on the bench, Liverpool may have an increased chance of signing him this summer. Reds boss Andoni Iraola will learn more about his position once the team sheets are released. PSG may be waiting on replacements before sanctioning a deal, with the club chasing Barcelona's Ferran Torres and Ajax forward Mika Godts. They have already signed Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche this summer.
PSG boss Luis Enrique declined to comment on Barcola's future, saying: “I don’t know and I don’t want to speak about any player individually, because it’s always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team.”
Ndukwe's Agent Confirms Loan Talks
Meanwhile, the agent of Liverpool youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe has confirmed talks are underway with several clubs about a loan move. The 18-year-old, recently signed from Austria Wien, does not yet have a work permit to play in England. He has played in all four pre-season games but cannot play competitively this year due to work permit rules.
Agent Georg Lederer said: “I can’t say which clubs we are in dialogue with, but I can confirm that we are in dialogue with Danish clubs about Ifeanyi Ndukwe. The only thing I can say is that it is not about the top clubs in Denmark. We are also talking to several foreign clubs, but right now we have to decide in collaboration with Liverpool where Ifeanyi will fit best. We are looking at several different parameters. First and foremost, it is about Ifeanyi getting a lot of playing time, and then Liverpool is also looking at what type of football clubs play, as they want him to play in a high-pressing defence, so it is a bit like what you see in Liverpool. Since Ifeanyi has just joined Liverpool, it is of course a loan deal without an option to buy. But for now I can’t say much more.”
