A report that Liverpool has agreed a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola has been dismissed by various other outlets, as the Reds search for their Mohamed Salah replacement
Liverpool is working on a potential deal for Bradley Barcola
Liverpool is working on a potential deal for Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty Images)
It's believed that Liverpool has not yet agreed a deal for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, despite reports to the contrary.
Liverpool-focused outlet DaveOckop claimed on Friday that the Reds and PSG have found common ground on a fee believed to be around €128 million ($148 million), with add-on clauses said to be more straightforward than earlier proposals had suggested.
Yet that claim has been dismissed by several other journalists, including Fabrizio Romano, who claims that talks are ongoing between the relevant parties but "nothing is agreed or even at final stages as of now." Sacha Tavolieri, another transfer expert, has echoed this.
Meanwhile, French outlet L'Equipe claims that Liverpool is ready to pay PSG €115 million ($133 million) for the 23-year-old.
Barcola has two years remaining on his PSG contract and is not currently expected to sign a new deal with the Ligue 1 and Champions League winners, giving Liverpool leverage in the process.
PSG's recent acquisition of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco has also been read as a sign that the French team is preparing for life without Barcola, potentially smoothing the path toward a sale.
Barcola is one of the best young players in Europe
Barcola is one of the best young players in Europe(Image: (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
The interest comes as Liverpool looks to reinforce its attack following Mohamed Salah's departure on a free transfer after a nine-year spell that produced 257 goals, along with the loss of Hugo Ekitike to a ruptured Achilles suffered in April.
Barcola, who moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023, has since won three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, while appearing as a substitute in PSG's past two Champions League final victories.
Statistical analysis from BBC Sport suggests Barcola could represent more than a straightforward wide-attacker signing.
Opta's player similarity model rated him as the winger across Europe's top five leagues whose output most closely resembled that of departed Liverpool winger Luis Diaz last season, at 78 percent.
Barcola ranked in the 95th percentile among wingers for expected goals, outperformed his own xG total with 11 Ligue 1 goals, and led all players across Europe's top five leagues in shot-ending carries per 90 minutes.
Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Liverpool is in advanced talks with PSG over another star, winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with the club reportedly leading the race for his signature after an earlier move to RB Leipzig collapsed.
Liverpool.com says: It's quite clear at this stage that no deal has been agreed for Barcola. This transfer is going to be anything but straightforward, considering the caliber of player Liverpool is looking to sign.
One thing is for sure, though: If the Reds sign Barcola this summer, they will need to pay well in excess of $100 million. He is one of the best young players in Europe, even if he can't get into PSG's starting XI.