Liverpool are reportedly making significant moves in the transfer market, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola emerging as a prime target. The Merseyside club appears willing to sanction the departure of a key player, potentially Cody Gakpo, to finance the ambitious £145 million deal for the 23-year-old French international.
The pursuit of Barcola signals Liverpool’s intent to bolster their attacking options, particularly on the flank, as they look to the future beyond Mohamed Salah. While Arsenal has also expressed interest, Liverpool are understood to be the frontrunners, having already held discussions with PSG. Barcola himself is reportedly open to the switch and has given Liverpool priority for his services.
Barcola’s impressive PSG tenure despite rotation
Barcola, who joined PSG from Lyon in 2023, has enjoyed a decorated, albeit not always starting, career in the French capital. During his 152 appearances for the club, he has registered a notable 39 goals and 37 assists. His time at PSG has been marked by significant team success, including:
- Three Ligue 1 titles
- Two Coupe de France trophies
- Back-to-back Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026
Despite these accolades, Barcola has not always been a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué often preferred. He also scored three times in eight appearances at the recent World Cup.
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Gakpo’s future and Liverpool’s valuation
The potential arrival of Barcola could trigger a “domino effect” at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo heavily tipped for an exit. Onze Mondial, as relayed by Get French Football News, claims the Netherlands international may be pushed towards a departure, despite signing a contract extension through to 2030 last summer, leaving him with four seasons remaining on his current deal.
The 27-year-old Gakpo registered seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances under former manager Arne Slot last season. Liverpool reportedly values Gakpo at around £60-70 million, with Spurs among several teams monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, another attacking player, Federico Chiesa, who has also been linked with an exit, may remain at Anfield. Chiesa recently scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly victory over Sunderland in Nashville on Sunday, July 26. Following the match, he expressed his determination to impress new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola.
“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts [for me]. But I don’t care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager,” Chiesa stated. “Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course, I wanted to play more, but it is what it is. The gaffer had his game plans, he made his decisions and I have nothing to say about that. It is football. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”
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As Liverpool navigates this critical transfer window under Iraola, the strategic decision to pursue Barcola, potentially at the cost of Gakpo, highlights a significant shift in their squad planning and a clear ambition to reshape their attacking line-up.
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