After failing to secure his signing in 2023 from Olympique Lyonnais, Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
After weeks of intense negotiations, the clubs have settled on a transfer worth a guaranteed £100 million.
The total package could rise to £120 million with performance-related add-ons in an agreement between Liverpool and PSG, with the 23-year-old France international set to travel to Merseyside to complete the move.
Barcola will undergo a medical before signing a five-year contract at Liverpool this weekend.
Bradley Barcola wanted Liverpool move
PSG previously deemed Barcola untouchable, maintaining a firm stance that the winger was not for sale this summer.
However, Liverpool kept pushing for the winger and eventually closed the deal with PSG.
Barcola’s place in Luis Enrique’s plan became less certain following PSG’s attacking additions.
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doué and Barcola already competing for a spot in the starting XI, PSG have added Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts to their forward line.
Concerned about his playing time, Barcola informed the club that he wanted to join Liverpool.
He had already opted against extending his current contract at PSG, which runs until June 2028, out of frustration over starting from the bench in major Champions League knockout matches and finals.
Barcola’s desire to leave saw PSG reconsider their stance and negotiate the record-breaking sale in their history.
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Barcola’s qualities fit Liverpool
Barcola is a direct winger who likes to receive the ball wide before cutting inside or attacking the space beyond the full-back.
His pace allows him to attack space behind low blocks, while his acceleration makes him a constant 1v1 threat against full-backs.
Barcola drops into deeper wide areas to get involved in the build-up and start quick transitions rather than waiting for the ball in the opponent’s final third.
His pressing and ability to carry the ball forward fit the aggressive approach Andoni Iraola wants from his wide players.
Iraola wants Liverpool to press high, force rushed passes and attack quickly when the ball is recovered in the opposition’s half.
Barcola’s acceleration lets him press full-backs aggressively and close the passing lane back into midfield, allowing Liverpool to trap opponents near the touchline.
With Cody Gakpo’s future at Liverpool looking increasingly uncertain, Barcola is expected to take over the left side of Liverpool’s forward line.
