David Ornstein has reported on Liverpool’s transfer pursuit of Bradley Barcola for the first time in weeks, as the Reds seek to close a deal with PSG for the 23-year-old with less than a week of the summer transfer window remaining.
Much like the long-winding Alexander Isak saga, Liverpool are set for a nervy end to this transfer story, and even though it seems to be in the same position as it has been for at least two weeks, we will soon have clarity.
One way or another, Liverpool fans will learn Barcola’s fate soon.
Ornstein’s last report on Barcola and Liverpool came on June 30 when he reported that PSG viewed him “as not for sale and that the Parisians valued him at much higher than the £116m Manchester City paid to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
? Paris Saint-Germain view Bradley Barcola as not for sale, regardless of arrivals + reluctance to sign new deal. #PSG value 23yo much higher than £116m #MCFC spending on Anderson. Ramos, Lee, Kolo Muani exits create squad & financial space @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WUN7skd1TC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 30, 2026
Now, Ornstein reports that the two are in critical talks that will decide the direction this transfer will take.
He reports for The Athletic: “Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are holding key talks in a bid to bring clarity over a proposed transfer for Bradley Barcola. The discussions are seen as an important step to establish a direction of travel on a potential move for the 23-year-old, who is committed to joining the Merseyside club.”
https://x.com/David\_Ornstein/status/2092282830365589780?s=20
Liverpool cannot afford to not sign Barcola at this stage
When a deal for Marc Guehi collapsed on Deadline Day last summer, it was a massive blow for Liverpool, who had no time to find an alternative, with their delayed move for the English international ultimately meaning he joined Man City in the January transfer window.
Liverpool cannot afford to let a similar situation unfold, even if Cody Gakpo has started the season on the left wing really well compared to his form last season.
The Reds have spent months chasing Barcola after stepping away from the Yan Diomande pursuit. So, not signing him now would be disastrous.
Some serious questions need to be asked about sporting director Richard Hughes, who is widely speculated as being likely to join Al Hilal in January when his contract with Liverpool expires.
The Liverpool executive has made a mess of this summer’s transfers, and losing Barcola would be a death knell in his perception among Liverpool supporters.