Liverpool's pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola could become clearer after the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola takes part in a training session on August 11, 2026, the eve of the UEFA Supercup football match between Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola could give a big hint over his future on Wednesday(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool's prolonged pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola has to eclipsed the club's other dealings this summer. However, with the transfer window closing on September 1, Liverpool are up against the clock to get a deal for the French star over the line and tonight could be a pivotal moment.
Barcola, who is said to carry an eye-watering £145 million valuation, could feature for the Parisians in this evening's UEFA Super Cup final. The ramifications of whether he takes to the pitch or remains on the bench could prove pivotal for his future prospects.
Elsewhere in today's Liverpool news, the representative of a young Reds player has revealed that his teenage client is engaged in discussions regarding a departure from the club.
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Barcola decision
Barcola has been included in the squad for PSG's clash against Europa League winners Aston Villa on Wednesday evening. Should he be named in the starting XI, however, it could transmit a highly significant message to Liverpool that the Parisian outfit intend to retain the 23-year-old.
That could equally represent a shrewd manoeuvre to compel the Reds to part with a substantial sum, however. Figures in the vicinity of £128m-£145m are being circulated with Barcola understood to be attracted to a switch to Anfield.
Barcola's involvement may compel the Reds to reveal their intentions should they suspect PSG are reintegrating the player into their senior side, following his prolonged absence after World Cup commitments. Yet if he finds himself among the substitutes, then Liverpool's chances of securing the winger this summer may well improve.
Put simply, Reds boss Andoni Iraola will have a far clearer picture regarding a potential move for Barcola once the team sheets for the Super Cup are revealed this evening.
Bradley Barcola looks on
Bradley Barcola is a player Liverpool are keen on this summer(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
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There is a belief that PSG are holding out for replacements before giving the green light for Barcola's departure. Luis Enrique's side have been pursuing Barcelona's Ferran Torres, with a deal understood to be approaching completion.
They also hold an interest in Ajax forward Mika Godts, and should PSG succeed in securing both targets, many expect it will clear the path for Barcola's exit. The Ligue 1 outfit have already brought in Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche this summer, further strengthening their already well-stocked options in attacking areas.
Discussing the French star's future, PSG boss Enrique said: "I don't know and I don't want to speak about any player individually, because it's always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team."
Agent drops transfer message
The representative of Liverpool youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe has revealed that discussions are ongoing with multiple clubs regarding a transfer this summer. The Reds are keen to send the 18-year-old out on loan, as the teenager, who recently joined from Austria Wien, does not currently possess a work permit to feature in England.
Ndukwe is permitted to feature in pre-season fixtures, having earned glowing praise for his performances across all four of Liverpool's summer outings so far.
However, regulations dictate that he cannot represent the club in competitive matches this season, as he has fallen short of the points threshold needed to qualify for a UK work permit. This means a loan move the most sensible solution for all parties.
Liverpool youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Liverpool youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe is not short of suitors (Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
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His agent, Georg Lederer, said: "I can't say which clubs we are in dialogue with, but I can confirm that we are in dialogue with Danish clubs about Ifeanyi Ndukwe. The only thing I can say is that it is not about the top clubs in Denmark.
"We are also talking to several foreign clubs, but right now we have to decide in collaboration with Liverpool where Ifeanyi will fit best.
"We are looking at several different parameters. First and foremost, it is about Ifeanyi getting a lot of playing time, and then Liverpool is also looking at what type of football clubs play, as they want him to play in a high-pressing defence, so it is a bit like what you see in Liverpool.
"Since Ifeanyi has just joined Liverpool, it is of course a loan deal without an option to buy. But for now I can't say much more."