Liverpool have been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for a number of weeks over a potential move for Bradley Barcola, with the France forward said to be keen on a move to Anfield before the transfer window closes
Bradley Barcola could join Liverpool in the next few days
Bradley Barcola could join Liverpool in the next few days(Image: 2026 Eurasia Sport Images)
Former France international Louis Saha believes Bradley Barcola would represent a "top level signing" for Liverpool, brushing aside worries that the winger can only play on the left flank.
The Reds have been in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain for several weeks after Barcola indicated he would welcome a switch to Anfield before the transfer window shuts on 1 September. Barcola is looking for a new challenge and wants more consistent playing time after making it clear he won't pen a new contract in the French capital.
PSG has placed a $198M (£145m) price tag on Barcola, and Liverpool have been in negotiations for weeks as they attempt to reduce the valuation of the France forward, who has two years remaining on his deal.
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Champions League holders PSG have bolstered their attacking options considerably this summer, bringing in Mika Godts, Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche to compete with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, leaving Barcola far down the hierarchy at Parc des Princes.
However, despite PSG's wealth of attacking talent, Liverpool appear no nearer to reaching an agreement for a player they have identified as their primary target.
"Bradley Barcola would be a top level signing," Saha told Mr Gamble.
"He's quick, he can provide assists to other players and score goals as well, so it's easy to see why Arsenal and Liverpool are taking a look at him.
"Manchester United need a player like Barcola too but they must look at every parameter around the deal. The agent is playing all the cards they can to increase the price.
"Look at Arsenal and Vinicius Jnr. That's not something United should be dragged into. Those times are over.
Sadio Mane during his Liverpool career
Sadio Mane during his Liverpool career(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
"[Barcola] is such a talent. He is a powerful runner with quality off the ball that reminds me of Federico Valverde but a bit quicker.
"If he was a bit stronger, he could play in midfield as well. Barcola is able to make these runs that are very damaging for any opposition, and he is so technically strong in the final third."
On the idea that Barcola can also perform on the right side of the attack, former Manchester United and Everton striker Saha added: "He can cross the ball really well.
"So yes, Barcola can play whether he's on the left side or the right side, and it is too restrictive to think a player can only play on one side or another.
"It is these ideas that are killing the game. Players should not be defining themselves in this way. You're a left-sided player? No, no. Please! Stop that.
"Look at Sadio Mane. He played on the right for Liverpool. They signed Mohamed Salah so he played on the left. In his first World Cup tournament for France.
"Kylian Mbappe played on the right. He was playing on the left in his second World Cup. In his third World Cup this summer, he was the striker."