Liverpool are reportedly targeting Paris Saint-Germain’s French winger Bradley Barcola, with a substantial £100 million bid on the table for the 23-year-old. However, the French champions are understood to be holding out for a figure closer to £145 million, setting the stage for a potentially protracted negotiation.

The pursuit, reported by BBC Sport, comes as new manager Andoni Iraola looks to reshape Liverpool’s attack following the departure of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer at the end of last season. Salah netted 257 goals during his nine-year spell at Anfield, leaving a significant void to fill.

A significant investment for Iraola’s new era

Should Liverpool succeed in acquiring Barcola at the reported £100 million valuation, he would become one of the club’s most expensive signings. The Reds have previously paid over £100 million for midfielder Florian Wirtz, who could eventually cost £116 million, and a club-record £125 million for striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

Barcola, who joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5 million, has quickly amassed an impressive trophy cabinet. His accolades with PSG include:

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• Three Ligue 1 titles

• Two French Cups

• The Uefa Super Cup

• The Fifa Intercontinental Cup

He has also featured as a second-half substitute in PSG’s past two Champions League finals, including their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in 2024-25 and their penalty shootout win against Arsenal to retain the title in May. On the international stage, Barcola was part of France’s World Cup squad, playing 28 times and scoring three goals, including one in their 6-4 loss to England in the third-place play-off.

Barcola’s statistical profile and playing style

Barcola is a right-footed player who predominantly operates from the left wing but can also play on the right or through the middle. His versatility and attacking output are key attractions for Liverpool. According to Opta’s player similarity model, Barcola’s output in the 2025-26 season most closely resembled that of former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz across Europe’s top five leagues, registering a 78% match.

His statistical profile from last season highlights his attacking prowess:

• Averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1.

• His 9.83 expected goals (xG) ranked in the 95th percentile among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

• Converted his chances into 11 league goals, outperforming his xG.

• No PSG player or Ligue 1 winger recorded a higher xG total in the 2025-26 campaign.

• Averaged more than two shot-ending carries per 90 minutes (2.06), the only player in Europe’s top five leagues to do so.

• Averaged 8.69 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes, the seventh-highest figure among over 1,500 eligible players.

Barcola also ranked ninth across Europe’s top five leagues for possessions won in the final third last season, indicating his strong defensive contribution and pressing ability. While he attempted more take-ons per 90 than Salah last season (4.26 to 3.38), he created fewer chances (2.16 to 2.33) and attempted fewer crosses and through balls, suggesting a more direct, goal-oriented approach.

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Despite his talent, Barcola’s game time at PSG has been somewhat limited due to competition from players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. Similarly, for the French national team, he often rotated with Doue and faced competition from Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele.

The transfer fee and fan reaction

The reported transfer fee has sparked debate among Liverpool supporters. “Truly flabbergasted at his price,” commented fan John. “Not denying his quality and potential but when you hear Vinicius Jr is valued at £137m you have to give your head a scratch.” Another fan, Stu, echoed similar sentiments: “Barcola would be a good signing but he’s not worth anywhere near £100m, never mind £145m. He’s a squad player at PSG. If they won’t accept £70m max then move on to someone else.”

Other fans, like Paul, questioned the priority of the signing, stating: “There appears to be enough attacking options already, surely last year showed the need is in defence. Make the backline solid and build out from there.”

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, highlighting areas for improvement across the squad. While attacking options include 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Italy forward Federico Chiesa, and new signing Victor Munoz, the club is keen to reinforce after not directly replacing Luis Diaz last summer. Cody Gakpo has been linked with Tottenham, though Liverpool states they do not wish to sell him.

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