Liverpool are reportedly preparing to submit their opening bid for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola. The French forward has emerged as the top target at Anfield as the Reds look to fill the void left by club legend Mohamed Salah, who departed earlier this summer after nine years on Merseyside.
Previous Targets and Signings
Liverpool had initially targeted Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, but a bid of around £85 million was rejected by RB Leipzig. Leipzig are now expected to sell Diomande to Real Madrid for over £100 million following the World Cup, despite strong interest from PSG.
The Reds also made an initial approach for Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, who has attracted multiple bids from PSG. Liverpool's only signing so far in the Andoni Iraola era has been Spain winger Victor Munoz, whose £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna was triggered.
Pursuit of Barcola
Liverpool have now returned for long-time target Barcola, who has also been on Arsenal's radar. Reports over the weekend indicated PSG are demanding a substantial £145 million fee for the 23-year-old, noting recent high-profile deals involving Chelsea and Manchester City for England midfielders Morgan Rogers (£117 million) and Elliot Anderson (£116 million).
Barcola is reportedly keen to leave PSG this window, with no interest in extending his contract, which expires in 2028. He is said to be frustrated at starting back-to-back Champions League finals on the bench under head coach Luis Enrique.
French newspaper L'Equipe claims Barcola has verbally agreed to join Liverpool, with personal terms not posing an obstacle to a potential blockbuster deal.
Valuation Gap
Liverpool and PSG appear to remain far apart in their valuations of the forward. Barcola scored 13 goals and registered seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for PSG last season, and netted three times in eight games as France finished fourth at the World Cup in North America.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have prepared a first offer for Barcola following preliminary talks with his representatives and are now poised to make an official approach to PSG.
