Bradley Barcola's stance on his PSG future has emerged as Liverpool continues to pursue the French winger alongside his teammate Ibrahim Mbaye
Bradley Barcola (12) of France during the World Cup
The Bradley Barcola transfer saga remains ongoing(Image: Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola's stance on staying at Paris Saint-Germain next season, in the event Liverpool or any other club cannot agree a deal, has been revealed by the French media.
The Reds are actively in the market for attacking reinforcements following Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season. Victor Munoz has already been brought in from Spanish club Osasuna, but new head coach Andoni Iraola is in dire need of depth in forward areas.
Barcola, as well as PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye, is widely reported to be among Liverpool's top targets for the remainder of the transfer window. Barcola, in particular, was first linked with a move to Anfield 12 months ago when Luis Diaz left the club for Bayern Munich.
So far, no compromise has been reached by either Liverpool or PSG over the fee for Barcola, who has two years remaining on his deal at the Parc des Princes. His reported desire to explore a move elsewhere stems from his unhappiness with his standing within the PSG attack, which also consists of the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
This summer, PSG has also been boosted by the attacking arrivals of Ferran Torres, Mika Godt and Maghnes Akliouche, potentially pushing Barcola further down the pecking order. That being said, the latest update from French outlet L'Equipe indicates Barcola would have no problem seeing out another year of his contract at PSG if a deal with Liverpool is not agreed.
Of course, PSG is the current European champion and will no doubt be in pole position to secure another Ligue 1 title. There is also no indication Barcola is prepared to extend his stay at PSG beyond 2028, meaning the club would likely have to accept a lower fee for the winger in 2027 as he enters the final year of his contract.
It does not appear Barcola is agitating for a move away, but it seems he, as well as Mbaye, is being protected while their futures remain up in the air. Neither player was included in Luis Enrique's squad for Sunday's defeat against Lens, and both watched on from the stands.
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola reacts during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco
Bradley Barcola could leave Paris Saint-Germain in the final few weeks of the transfer window, with Liverpool keen on a move(Image: (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images))
Enrique did not engage with any questions about either player's future when pressed on the matter post-match. Instead, he reiterated that he would not discuss transfers until the window closes in early September.
In the meantime, Liverpool is running out of time to get deals over the line for Barcola and Mbaye. Its first game of the Premier League season takes place against Newcastle this weekend, while the window slams shut on September 1.
PSG is rumored to be standing firm on its staggering £145 million ($196 million) asking price, a figure Liverpool is understandably reluctant to meet. Some speculation on Monday indicated the Reds are prepared to increase their offer to £115 million ($156 million), but that is still significantly below PSG's valuation.
PSG begins its Ligue 1 campaign this weekend with a home clash against Rennes. It remains to be seen whether Barcola or Mbaye is included in the squad.