Liverpool reportedly pursue Barcola as PSG set high valuation
Liverpool are reportedly pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with recent developments suggesting the player has given his agreement in principle to join the Reds. French reports indicate that Barcola is prepared to move to Liverpool, though a transfer fee still needs to be finalised with PSG.
According to reports from France, discussions have accelerated following France‘s exit from the World Cup. Personal terms are believed to be largely sorted between Barcola and Liverpool. The player has reportedly spoken with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and indicated his willingness to join the club if a transfer can be arranged.
Transfer Negotiations and Valuation
Despite the player’s reported agreement, the matter of an acceptable transfer fee remains a key hurdle. PSG’s valuation for Barcola is reportedly high, with claims suggesting the French club could be seeking between €120M and €170M. This figure is a significant increase from the €85M valuation when Liverpool first expressed interest in the player a summer ago.
Sources indicate that PSG values Barcola at £140M and £145M, and the two clubs are working to reach an agreement. The ECHO understands that any deal for the winger is expected to cost Liverpool upwards of £100M. PSG’s valuation is reportedly influenced by recent transfers, including Elliot Anderson to Manchester City and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea earlier this summer. However, it is noted that both Anderson and Rogers had longer contracts with their previous clubs and count as homegrown players for squad registration purposes, factors Liverpool will likely consider in negotiations.
Liverpool has reportedly made Barcola their top transfer priority this summer, particularly following Mohamed Salah‘s departure as a free agent. The club is said to have earmarked the France international as their number one target for the transfer window.
PSG’s Stance and Barcola’s Future
Barcola has reportedly informed PSG that he does not intend to sign a new contract, despite having two years remaining on his current deal. Consequently, PSG is reportedly considering his sale, believing that the £140M valuation reflects his age, potential, and current market prices.
In an interesting development, it was reported that PSG coach Luis Enrique only wants committed players. This suggests that if PSG does not secure their desired fee, Barcola might not feature for the club next season. Last year, Enrique had expressed confidence in Barcola’s future at PSG, stating, “I have no doubt that he’ll stay our player. We like the fact that our players are interesting other clubs. But he’s one of those young players that we’ve been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years.”
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola recently commented on the need to improve the squad, stating, “You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.” This statement was made last week at a press conference in Chicago.
While French reports indicate an agreement in principle with Barcola, the ECHO understands that Liverpool has not yet opened formal talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a deal.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
