Liverpool close in on £120m deal for PSG's Barcola

Liverpool are closing in on the acquisition of forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile transfer agreement that could reach a total value of £120 million. Sources have indicated that negotiations have accelerated significantly over the past 48 hours, bringing the Merseyside club to the brink of a full agreement for the France international.

While PSG initially valued the 23-year-old at £145 million, Liverpool are poised to seal the deal with a baseline fee of £100 million, supplemented by add-ons worth up to £20 million tied to individual and team achievements. Although naturally right-footed, Barcola prefers operating on the left wing, a tactical preference that immediately raises questions regarding Cody Gakpo's long-term prospects at Anfield, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City closely monitoring the Netherlands forward.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Beyond bolstering their left-flank options, the Reds remain active in the market for a right winger as they seek to inject further firepower following the departures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah in recent seasons. The club has already faced setbacks in their pursuit of Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, having bids worth £50 million and £60 million rejected by the Seagulls, while alternative targets such as Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr are also under consideration.

Barcola's stock has risen rapidly since his 2023 transfer from Lyon to PSG for a reported £38.5 million. During his time in the French capital, he has secured three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions Leagues, two French Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Having also netted three goals for France at the recent World Cup, his versatility to play on either flank or through the center offers valuable tactical depth for the squad.

Source: BBC Sport