Liverpool reportedly have a “potential opening” in their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window.
The need for at least one new winger at Anfield this summer is great, as Mohamed Salah closes in on his final appearance for the club.
But ideally, Liverpool would sign two wide men – one on either flank – with Cody Gakpo not at the level to start every week and Rio Ngumoha still a work in progress.
Barcola has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, with the Frenchman reportedly valued at £86.5m, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that his lack of football at PSG could aid the Reds:
“He’s not starting every major game for PSG, but he is contributing. He’s normally coming off the bench in all these big Champions League games, which could give Liverpool a potential opening that he could be prised away with regular first-team football. But, I think Paris Saint-Germain are determined to keep hold of Barcola.”
Bradley Barcola could excel as key starter for Liverpool
Barcola is such a talented player that it almost feels unfair that he isn’t starting every week for PSG, but the world-class attacking quality they have makes it hard for him to break into the team.
The Champions League-winning 23-year-old is a dazzling winger who can shine on both sides, with PSG boss Luis Enrique clearly a big admirer, lauding him back in 2024:
“Everyone is talking about Bradley Barcola, but remember after the Newcastle match (at home) last season, people said he wasn’t ready for the Champions League. We are lucky that he is a very balanced person, very sensible, humble, hard-working, with great family values. He was able to calmly manage the difficult moments post-Newcastle period in the best possible way.”
The “potential opening” that O’Rourke mentions can only be a good thing for Liverpool, who will no doubt hope that the promise of being a key starter could appeal to Barcola.
The France international is a massive talent, already scoring 38 goals and registering 37 assists in 149 appearances for PSG, and his peak is hopefully still several years away.