Liverpool have held “key talks” to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola this week, with the winger keen on a move to Anfield.
The Reds’ pursuit of Barcola has been one of the sages of the summer, although Jamie Carragher has suggested it will be much more important to sign a Mohamed Salah replacement before the September 1st transfer deadline.
“He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that – I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool. But he’s a left winger for me.
“Liverpool’s big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is replacing Mo Salah, a right winger. And I don’t think Liverpool have got anybody really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing.”
Indeed, the Frenchman’s primary position is left-wing, and he thrived in that area in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 11 goals, the highest number in the PSG squad, to help his side go on and lift the title.
The 23-year-old also created 11 big chances in Ligue 1, which was one more than Cody Gakpo created in the Premier League, despite playing seven fewer games than the Dutchman, who is attracting interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
|
League performance in 2025-26 |
Cody Gakpo |
Bradley Barcola |
|
Appearances |
36 |
29 |
|
Goals |
7 |
11 |
|
Assists |
5 |
2 |
|
Successful dribbles per 90 |
1.1 |
1.9 |
|
Big chances missed |
8 |
15 |
As shown, the PSG star outperformed Gakpo across some key metrics for midfielders last season, although he may not be as clinical as the Netherlands international, having missed the highest number of big chances in Luis Enrique’s squad.
However, Enrique is a big fan of his winger, who rakes in £109,000-a-week, once describing him as “sensational”, and his dribbling, coupled with his ability to create big chances, means he could be an exciting replacement for Gakpo.
Liverpool hold “key talks” to sign Bradley Barcola
According to David Ornstein, Liverpool held “key talks” regarding a deal for Barcola on Tuesday, with the winger still eager to make the move to Anfield and not entertaining other suitors.
An “important meeting” took place regarding a deal for the former Lyon man, which could be very expensive, with journalist Fabrice Hawkins stating he won’t be available for less than €120m (£103m).
Barcola’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, has history of facilitating big moves from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, having taken Rayan Cherki to Manchester City last summer, which has been a stunning success for the former Lyon playmaker.
Fabrizio Romano drops update on Cody Gakpo’s future
It remains possible that Gakpo and Barcola may be used interchangeably this season, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Liverpool won’t allow the Netherlands star to leave unless they bring in two new wingers.
Gakpo is off to a flying start in the Premier League, scoring at St. James’ Park in Liverpool’s opening match, although they were only able to come away with a point, courtesy of a very late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty.
