Liverpool could use the Champions League draw to get the final details over the line for Bradley Barcola, with talks ongoing over the signing of the PSG winger
France forward Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring against Sweden.
France forward Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring against Sweden.(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
After weeks of talks and speculation, Liverpool finally appears to be closing in on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola this summer.
It has been a summer-long pursuit of the French international that has dominated much of the speculation surrounding the Reds, who are keen to bolster the forward ranks after the exit of Mohamed Salah.
While he operates on the opposite side of the Egyptian King, Barcola could carry the quality and potential to match that of the outgoing star on the wing.
That belief has been reflected in the initial valuation set by PSG, when it became clear that the 23-year-old would be open to leaving the club in the final two years of his contract there.
READ MORE: Fabian Hurzeler directly addresses Liverpool transfer interest in Yankuba Minteh
Liverpool's approach has been one of patience and the belief that there would eventually be a compromise surrounding the cost for Barcola before the transfer window came to a close.
While it is far from done, reports have suggested that a verbal agreement has been reached on a final fee that could reach up to $163 million, with an initial payment of $136 million guaranteed for the incoming star.
Bradley Barcola is close to joining Liverpool
Bradley Barcola is close to joining Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
There are still some details to iron out before the deal can be considered done, but there is an opportunity for those involved to meet up once again to get the transfer over the finish line.
That's because, according to Ben Jacobs, the deal is expected to be completed in Monaco over the next day, where PSG club officials Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Campos are based for the upcoming Champions League group phase draw.
Liverpool is also in the draw, and with club chiefs also expected to be in attendance, it could provide the perfect opportunity for there to be another in-person meeting that can help get the long-running transfer saga completed.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
For the Reds, it marks a major breakthrough in what has been a key area of focus, with some hope now that the star can help Andoni Iraola's side move to the next level, competing at the top level on an individual level while also unlocking other key players within the team.
Article continues below
It only marks one piece of business that the recruitment team needs to get done before the deadline, however, while the chase for a right-winger is still on the cards.
Liverpool has shown interest in the likes of Ibrahim Mbaye, Yankuba Minteh, and Ismaila Sarr in recent weeks to help fill that void, but there has been little progress on deals for any of them.
It remains to be seen whether the club will now push hard to land one of the trio or if another surprise option could be on the cards.