Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly reduced their asking price for winger Bradley Barcola to £128 million, according to L'Equipe. The initial demand was £145 million, which had stalled Liverpool's pursuit. The Reds are believed to be willing to pay around £103 million, but the BBC report that Liverpool are preparing to increase their offer to secure the deal.
Barcola's Price Tag and Liverpool's Interest
Liverpool have been keen on Barcola all summer, but the high valuation has been a stumbling block. L'Equipe suggests that while the two clubs remain "very far apart," the transfer is expected to be completed before the window closes. The French champions are said to be holding out for a substantial fee, but the reduced price indicates some flexibility.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has weighed in on the potential transfer, telling the ECHO via Casino.org: "Barcola, he's obviously the big name on everybody's lips. It sounds like he might be available. It sounds like he's going to be expensive, though - but they're going to have to make some form of statement signing, of course. You know, it used to be Salah, and [Sadio] Mane and [Luis] Diaz."
Owen added: "Obviously [Barcola has] played at the highest level, but, yeah, at some point you've got to say no, haven't you? If it gets to £145m, wow, that's eye-watering."
Ferran Torres Agrees to PSG Move
In a development that could facilitate Barcola's exit, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has reportedly agreed to join PSG. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Torres has given the green light to PSG boss Luis Enrique for a switch. The Spanish World Cup winner has been open about his future, saying: "In the world of football, you never know."
Sport reported in July that Enrique personally intervened to bring the former Manchester City star to Paris. Barcelona are willing to sell for a generous offer but are content to keep the forward if no suitable bid arrives. PSG are expected to make an offer, aiming to finalize the move before Torres returns from holiday next week.
PSG's Attack Restructure
The capture of Torres would be another step in PSG's summer overhaul of their attack. Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche is reportedly close to joining, and the club is also working on a deal for Ajax's Mika Godts. If these transfers materialize, it could pave the way for Barcola to depart for Liverpool, ending the long-running saga.
