Liverpool have reportedly opened talks to sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola as their search for a Mohamed Salah replacement intensifies
Matias Fernandez-Pardo in action at World Cup 2026 with Belgium
Liverpool-linked Matias Fernandez-Pardo has reportedly asked to leave Lille(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Liverpool's search for a Mohamed Salah successor may be nearing its end with the club set to open talks to sign Bradley Barcola. However, manager Andoni Iraola and his board have other irons in the fire as he looks to add further reinforcements.
The Reds already wrapped up the £60million signing of Jeremy Jacquet before the unexpected arrival of World Cup-winner Victor Munoz. However, those new arrivals could be blown out of the water should the Reds agree a potential British transfer record deal to sign Barcola.
The France international isn't the only new face who could arrive at Anfield this summer, either. The ECHO has all the details as we examine the latest Liverpool transfer stories making the rounds.
Fernandez-Pardo asks for transfer
Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has reportedly submitted a transfer request at the Decathlon Arena. The 21-year-old has been mooted as a potential target for Liverpool in recent weeks and appears eager to take advantage of the growing interest surrounding him.
Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are among the other high-profile clubs reportedly circling the player. His transfer valuation is understood to sit at around £50m, which would make him considerably cheaper than several of Liverpool's other attacking pursuits.
Belgian international Fernandez-Pardo is capable of operating across the frontline but has featured predominantly as a centre-forward for Lille. The youngster chipped in with eight goals and five assists across 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Barcola talks underway
Bradley Barcola #29 of Paris Saint-Germain F.C. is all smiles after receiving a FIFA FC 2026 award after the Ligue 1 McDonald's regular season match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Brest
Barcola is one step closer to joining Liverpool with the Reds set to begin talks with PSG(Image: Glenn Gervot - PSG, PSG via Getty Images)
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Sky Sports News has reported Liverpool could be progressing towards securing their ideal Salah successor after initiating discussions to sign Bradley Barcola. The player has reportedly given his verbal commitment to the transfer, with PSG now the only remaining obstacle to overcome.
That will not prove a straightforward challenge, though, with Les Parisiens reportedly seeking £145million for their asset. To place that sum in perspective, it would comfortably surpass the British transfer record £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer.
Barcola, 23, has entered the final two years of his deal at the Parc des Princes. He has also reportedly declined the offer of renewed talks over an extension, providing further indication the winger is receptive to a move this summer.
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Iraola has received an additional boost following reports from France that Barcola snubbed Chelsea's advances earlier this summer. Given his club has managed to progress in negotiations, it suggests a switch to Anfield carries particular appeal for the forward.
The fact Barcola is entering the final two years of his contract represents a crucial element of the transfer equation. While PSG retain a commanding position in negotiations, Liverpool will be acutely aware that Barcola's potential asking price could fall considerably come next summer.
This could provide the Premier League giants with a significant amount of leverage in talks. PSG had been favourites to land another Liverpool target in Yan Diomande, but have reportedly cooled their interest amid speculation he is set to sign for Real Madrid.
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