Liverpool are reportedly considering a significant investment in Paris Saint-Germain's winger Bradley Barcola, potentially spending around £100 million to secure his services. This move comes even after the Reds are believed to be closing in on a British-record transfer for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, signaling a clear intent to bolster their attacking options significantly for the upcoming season.
Barcola, a 22-year-old French forward, has emerged as a target for several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham. The interest stems from his impressive performances for PSG, where he contributed a significant number of goals and assists during their treble-winning campaign. Despite his contributions, Barcola isn't always guaranteed a starting position in PSG's star-studded lineup, which could make a move to Liverpool an attractive prospect for the player.
Liverpool's interest in Barcola also appears to be driven by a potential reshuffling of their current attacking options. Rumors suggest that the club may be open to selling players like Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota to generate funds for further transfer activity. This would not only free up space in the squad but also provide the financial flexibility to pursue high-value targets like Barcola.
However, securing Barcola's signature won't be straightforward. Bayern Munich are also reportedly keen on the winger, viewing him as a potential replacement for Leroy Sane. PSG are believed to value Barcola at over £84 million, and any potential suitor would likely need to make a substantial offer to convince the French champions to part with one of their key players.
From PSG's perspective, any decision to sell Barcola would likely be influenced by their financial situation and squad composition. Despite boasting one of the highest revenues in world football, PSG have faced scrutiny over their compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations in the past. Selling Barcola could help balance their books and provide funds for other potential acquisitions. Also, with the established front three of Doue, Kvaratskhelia and Dembele, Barcola may be tempted to move elsewhere.
Liverpool's pursuit of Barcola highlights their ambition to build a squad capable of competing for major honors both domestically and in Europe. The potential arrival of both Wirtz and Barcola would add significant quality and depth to their attacking ranks, providing manager Arne Slot with a wealth of options to choose from. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be successful in their pursuit of Barcola, but the rumors suggest that they are serious about making a significant investment in the young French winger.