Liverpool are yet to submit an official bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, and according to Sky Sports, that is intentional. The Reds' hierarchy want to determine the exact fee PSG would accept before making an opening proposal, rather than risk an offer that is instantly rejected and could complicate negotiations.
Valuation gap remains wide
PSG currently value Barcola at around £145m, while Liverpool are aiming to complete a deal closer to £100m. Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam explained the reasoning behind the cautious approach on The Transfer Show: "There's no point slinging in an offer if they don't believe that they're close to getting a deal done. If PSG want £145m, then what's the point of putting in an offer for £100m? It's going to get rejected, isn't it? Therefore, they have to have some sensible conversations where they can get it down a bit from £145m because they're never going to pay that."
PSG preparing for Barcola exit
Fresh developments suggest PSG may be preparing for Barcola's departure. Reports claim the Ligue 1 champions have reached an agreement to sign Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, a versatile forward who can play as an attacking midfielder or on either flank. He is due to complete a medical before sealing a £42.8m move to the Parc des Princes.
PSG are also pushing to sign Ajax winger Mika Godts, with reports indicating a transfer worth around £50m is edging closer. If both attacking reinforcements arrive, speculation will intensify that PSG are ready to sanction Barcola's exit.
Barcola's profile and interest
The 23-year-old has registered 34 goals and 28 assists across the last two club seasons despite competing for minutes alongside Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. Barcola is believed to favour a move to Anfield, where he would have the opportunity to play a more central attacking role and enjoy more consistent first-team opportunities.
Liverpool have made Barcola their No. 1 attacking target as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah. So far this summer, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have arrived, joining from Osasuna and Rennes respectively in deals worth £34.5m and £55m. The appointment of Andoni Iraola has increased anticipation, with supporters eager to see how the Spaniard reshapes his squad ahead of his first season in charge.
