Liverpool’s Barcola dream hits PSG wall | OneFootball

Liverpool’s search for fresh attacking talent has seen their interest in Bradley Barcola resurface, with mixed signals emerging over whether a move for the Paris Saint-Germain forward will materialise this summer. Reports indicate Liverpool’s admiration for the versatile 22-year-old has been longstanding, though any approach is proving far from straightforward.

According to multiple sources, Liverpool have seen two advances for Barcola dismissed by PSG—one early in the window and another as recently as Wednesday. The French champions have made their position clear: Barcola is not for sale, with an intermediary telling RMC Sport that any deal would require “crazy money,” believed to be upwards of £100 million. Despite these public statements, some close to the situation, including journalist Loic Tanzi, suggest Barcola could be tempted by a move to Anfield.

Barcola, who has established himself as a key figure at PSG, remains under contract until June 2028. Last season, he featured in 64 matches across competitions, recording 14 goals and 13 assists. In Ligue 1 alone, he managed 13 goals and five assists over 27 appearances, while his overall attacking contribution—52 shots on target and an impressive 881 dribbles—highlights the varied threat he offers across the front line. While he is considered crucial to PSG’s plans, competition for places remains stiff, with the likes of Desire Doué, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all vying for similar roles in Luis Enrique’s squad. One source has gone so far as to suggest Barcola may now find himself behind these players in the pecking order.

Liverpool’s interest is set against a backdrop of uncertainty around their forward options, with speculation mounting over the futures of both Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez. Salah’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or underscores his ongoing importance, but Liverpool are reportedly preparing to intensify their pursuit of a new attacker once Núñez’s exit is confirmed. Alexander Isak was cited as a potential target before that move fell through, and Rodrygo from Real Madrid has also been mentioned in dispatches. With Barcola able to operate across the front three, he would provide further depth, though some have pointed out that his arrival could block the progression of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a highly regarded prospect in the Liverpool academy.

The financial aspect of any deal looms large. PSG’s comfortable financial situation means they are under no pressure to sell, and Liverpool, having already invested significantly this window, are unlikely to move unless the player himself presses for a transfer. The Premier League club reportedly will not make a formal bid unless Barcola indicates a clear desire to join. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has so far declined to comment on the club’s interest, adding another layer of ambiguity to the saga.

With conflicting reports on Liverpool’s true intentions—some suggesting a renewed push is imminent after the Isak pursuit ended, others maintaining any deal remains unlikely unless circumstances change—the situation remains fluid. For now, Barcola continues to be viewed as an important part of PSG’s plans, but as the window progresses, shifts in either the player’s stance or Liverpool’s willingness to match PSG’s valuation could well alter the landscape.