Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements has intensified following the departure of Mohamed Salah, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola emerging as a key target. Despite reports suggesting PSG are unwilling to sell, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano indicates a different reality behind the scenes, potentially opening the door for a move to Anfield.

The Reds are keen to bolster their forward line after Salah’s free transfer from Anfield. Their initial top target, Yan Diomande, ultimately prioritised a move to Paris Saint-Germain, despite RB Leipzig rejecting a substantial €100 million (£87 million) offer from Liverpool. This shift in the transfer landscape has seemingly refocused Liverpool’s attention on Barcola, a player they were reportedly keen on last summer.

Barcola’s contract stalemate opens door

Barcola, who scored twice for France at the FIFA World Cup this summer and has won back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG, is entering the final two years of his contract in Paris. This contractual situation is central to Romano’s insights.

“Saying that Barcola is not for sale, is not leaving PSG this summer, is not what I’m told, it’s not at all what I’m told,” Romano revealed on his most recent YouTube video. He further elaborated on the player’s contract status:

Read also: “A piece of magic”: Kane rescues England from World Cup scare

“First of all, contract talks are on complete standby. And they’ve been on standby not one month, not two months, but since last summer.”

Romano also recalled Liverpool’s previous attempts to sign the winger: “And last summer (2025), there was Liverpool keen on Barcola, probably in the media it was not that strong, but Liverpool tried to enter into a deal, PSG closed the doors, and at that stage they were expecting to get a new deal done after rejecting a big proposal from Liverpool.” He added, “But the deal is stalling since summer 2025.”

While David Ornstein recently reported that PSG are not looking to sell Barcola, the club’s actions and squad depth suggest a different possibility. PSG reportedly value Barcola at more than £116 million, a figure comparable to the £116 million Man City agreed to pay for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. However, PSG has already sold Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan for around £70 million, and Lee Kang-In is also expected to be on the move. With attacking talent like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele already in their ranks, PSG may find themselves in a position to negotiate, especially given Barcola’s stalled contract talks.

Liverpool’s persistent interest, coupled with Barcola’s contractual limbo and PSG’s potential need to balance their squad and finances, suggests that this transfer saga is far from over.

Read also: Can Tielemans anger issues cost him the captaincy?

Read also: Ronaldo’s old retirement vow returns after Al Nassr move