Liverpool has been warned against meeting Paris Saint-Germain's asking price for Bradley Barcola, with just a couple of weeks left before the transfer window slams shut
Liverpool has been warned against splashing big on Bradley Barcola
Liverpool has been warned against splashing big on Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty)
Liverpool and new manager Andoni Iraola have been warned against meeting Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola’s “crazy” $175.8 million price tag ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, while being urged to keep hold of Cody Gakpo.
The Reds have a couple of positions to fill before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1. Several high-profile names departed the squad in the summer, headlined by longtime servants Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Premier League-winning center-back Ibrahima Konate also departed, joining Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer. Manager Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot at the end of last season, immediately got to work, bolstering his squad.
Liverpool made three permanent signings, with Jérémy Jacquet arriving from Rennes in a deal worth up to $81.2 million after an initial agreement earlier this year, while Víctor Muñoz joined from Osasuna for around $46.7 million.
The club has also brought in young midfielder Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for a reported $3.5 million. Liverpool has additionally strengthened its defense by signing Barcelona's Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan, with an option to buy for about $63.6 million.
The pitch's wide area remains a key point of interest for Liverpool. They have been linked with PSG players Barcola and promising youngster Ibrahim Mbaye. However, Barcola’s $175.8 million price tag has been slammed as “insane” by the outlet, the Liverpool Echo.
“There’s simply no way Barcola is worth the supposed £130 million PSG are asking and the Reds simply cannot afford to pay that,” the column reads.
Bradley Barcola in action for France during the World Cup
Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool's top target this summer(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
“It’s a crazy game of poker in a way, a case of who will blink first between Liverpool and the French side.”
Liverpool has also been warned not to sell any more senior players and avoid making marquee signings late, following Alexander Isak’s injury-stricken debut season at Anfield.
“There is also a chance that by leaving any transfer so late in the window, Liverpool are setting themselves up for a repeat of the Alexander Isak situation from last year, and nobody wants that,” it continued. “Whatever happens, Liverpool simply cannot allow any more senior players to leave.”
Meanwhile, Gakpo continues to be linked with a move away, with Tottenham Hotspur eager to sign him this summer. “So the talk about Cody Gakpo potentially leaving is worrying. Liverpool cannot sell him. It would be insane to do that,” the column continued.
Bradley BARCOLA of PSG celebrates his goal during UEFA Champions League match between Paris and Chelsea
Bradley Barcola continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
“There’s already a good chance Curtis Jones could go and there are others like Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa.
“Yes, I know a couple of the young lads have done well in pre-season such as Trey Nyoni, and he in particular will get more minutes this season and hopefully kick on.
“But Liverpool need to be buying players — not selling them.”