New Liverpool Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia played a key role in the Reds signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a $166 million transfer
Liverpool's new vice chairman Amit Bhatia (C) and Executive Chairman of Arcelor Mittal, Lakshmi Mittal (R) reacts ahead of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi revealed new Liverpool Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia's role in sealing Bradley Barcola's transfer to Liverpool(Image: Getty)
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi highlighted new Liverpool vice-chairman Amit Bhatia as a key player in sealing Bradley Barcola’s transfer to Anfield.
The Reds signed Barcola from PSG in a blockbuster $166 million transfer ahead of Tuesday’s transfer window closing. The France international will bolster new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s options out wide, with the Premier League season already underway.
Barcola joins Liverpool, a three-time league winner in France and a two-time Champions League winner, after spending three seasons with PSG. However, the big-money transfer has already raised concerns with one Liverpool legend who has questioned the club’s recruitment strategy.
According to talkSPORT, two Liverpool chiefs in particular were key in Barcola joining the project in the North West of England.
Radio host Jim White claimed to speak to PSG President Al-Khelaifi, who laid out PSG’s policy on player sales, revealing that the club does not stand in the way of stars pushing for a move away.
Al-Khelaifi described Barcola as “an amazing player,” whom Liverpool chiefs Mike Gordon and Bhatia managed to secure. “Last night, I spoke to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of PSG,” White started.
“[He said] Bradley Barcola is an amazing player, but our rule is that any player who doesn’t want to stay can leave.
Bradley Barcola, the new signing of Liverpool, at AXA Training Center on August 30, 2026, in Kirkby, England.
Bradley Barcola, the new signing of Liverpool, at AXA Training Center on August 30, 2026, in Kirkby, England.(Image: Getty Images)
“He then said it took a while, but Mike Gordon [FSG President, now running football operations at LFC] ‘was very professional and very direct, and that’s why we closed the deal together. I thank him for that.’ He also mentioned the new vice-chairman, Amit Bhatia, being helpful in closing the deal.”
Barcola expressed his happiness at joining Liverpool for his next chapter. The Frenchman signed a five-year contract and will wear the No. 29 this season.
“It's a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool. I'm very happy,” he told the club’s official website.
"It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play.
Bradley Barcola new signing of Liverpool at AXA Training Centre
Bradley Barcola has completed his transfer to Liverpool after a summer-long pursuit(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
"I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League – it's one of my biggest dreams in my life.
"It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term – that's why I signed a long contract – and I hope I can do it."
The Reds have started the Premier League season with back-to-back 2-2 draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool came from behind late in both games to secure a point.
Up next is newly promoted Ipswich Town on Friday, followed by their Champions League group stage opener against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid next week.