What a signing he would have been for the Reds...
(Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri has confirmed that Liverpool made a concrete attempt to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s talented winger, Bradley Barcola, during the summer transfer window.
The highly-rated French forward was reportedly the subject of a swift and firm rejection from the Ligue 1 giants, despite the Reds’ strong interest.
Liverpool tried to sign Bradley Barcola in the summer
In the weeks prior to Alexander Isak’s arrival,Bradley Barcola was viewed by Anfield chiefs as a top transfer target.
While the 23-year-old ultimately remained in Paris, he wasn’t all that far away from ending up on Merseyside.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Merseyside club’s pursuit of Barcola went beyond mere interest.
Tavolieri took to X to reveal the extent of the interest, stating: “Liverpool even made an oral offer via an intermediary to PSG, which was immediately rejected, for Bradley Barcola.”
Barcola ‘seriously considered’ a move
Further reports indicate that the transfer saga was not one-sided. French journalist Fabrice Hawkins shared thatthe winger ‘seriously considered a move’ amid increased competition for a starting spot in Paris.
The reporter told Canal-Supporters (via Le10 Sport): “Bayern Munich and Liverpool made very strong approaches. He seriously considered it. The contract extension situation will need to be followed closely.”
This suggests Barcola was genuinely tempted by the prospect of a switch to the Premier League or the Bundesliga.
With PSG bringing in other high-profile attackers, Barcola’s internal concerns about his pathway to becoming a central figure at the Parc des Princes became a key factor in him considering an exit, making his current contract situation a critical one to monitor for European heavyweights like Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola in action for PSG
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
How Barcola would have been an ideal Luis Díaz replacement
Barcola’s profile makes him a near-perfect fit for a dynamic, high-pressing team, potentially filling the void left by Luis Díaz’s eventual move.
Barcola’s statistics from his impactful 2024/2025 season with PSG demonstrate his elite attacking output and creative ability, positioning him as an exciting replacement.
In the 2024/2025 season alone, Barcola scored 14 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 and 21 goals and 21 assists across all competitions, helping his side to Champions League glory.
Since signing for PSG in 2023, the Frenchman has recorded a total of 31 goals and 33 assists in 119 appearances across all competitions.
His proficiency on the ball, combined with exceptional end-product numbers, would have provided Liverpool’s attack with the flair and goal-threat that they have missed so dearly this season.