sevendayweekender – Liverpool have agreed a deal worth up to £123m for Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old France international is expected to complete his transfer shortly.
PSG initially valued Barcola at £145m before Liverpool negotiated a lower overall package. The agreement includes an initial £106m payment and up to £17m in potential add-ons.
Barcola is expected to undergo his medical this weekend. He will then sign a long-term contract with Liverpool at Anfield.
The France international is naturally right-footed but prefers operating from the left wing. His arrival could therefore raise further questions about Cody Gakpo’s future at Liverpool.
Liverpool have made Barcola a major attacking target following significant departures. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah have both left the club during the past two summers.
Barcola joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m. He has since developed into an important player for the French champions.
During his time in Paris, Barcola has collected several major trophies. His honors include three Ligue 1 titles and two Champions League trophies.
He has also won the French Cup twice with PSG. His trophy collection additionally includes the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Cup.
The proposed transfer fee also includes a solidarity payment owed by PSG to Lyon. That payment originated from the agreement that took Barcola to Paris three years ago.
Barcola has developed into a versatile attacking player during his time with PSG. Although he prefers the left wing, he can also operate on the right side.
The forward can also play through the middle when required. His positional flexibility could provide Liverpool with additional attacking options throughout the season.
Barcola scored three goals for France at this summer’s World Cup. His international performances further increased his profile before the proposed move to England.
Barcola Transfer Raises Questions Over Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool Future
The impending arrival of Barcola could affect the competition for attacking positions at Liverpool. Gakpo’s future has consequently become a subject of increasing uncertainty.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was asked about Gakpo’s situation before Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest. The manager said he could not guarantee that the 27-year-old would remain at the club.
However, Iraola made clear that he would like to keep Gakpo at Liverpool. He also praised the forward’s attitude since returning from the World Cup and his holiday.
“[Gakpo] has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and his holiday,” Iraola said. He also highlighted Gakpo’s influence on Liverpool’s performances.
“I hope we can keep him at that level,” the manager added. Iraola described Gakpo as very influential in the team’s games.
Barcola’s arrival would increase competition for places across Liverpool’s attack. His ability to operate in several positions could make him particularly valuable to the squad.
The French forward has also gained extensive experience at the highest level with PSG. His two Champions League titles demonstrate the level of competition he has experienced since joining the club.
His trophy record also reflects PSG’s domestic dominance during his time in France. Liverpool will now hope he can transfer that experience to the Premier League.
The financial scale of the agreement makes Barcola one of Liverpool’s major attacking investments. The club will initially pay £106m, with another £17m potentially becoming payable.
The total package could therefore reach £123m. The final amount will depend on the conditions attached to the additional payments.
Barcola’s expected medical represents the next stage of the transfer process. Once completed, he will be able to finalize his long-term move to Anfield.
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For Liverpool, the signing would strengthen an attack that has undergone significant changes. The departures of Diaz and Salah have created additional requirements for attacking reinforcements.
Barcola provides youth, versatility, and extensive European experience. His ability to play on either wing or centrally gives Liverpool greater tactical flexibility.
