As Liverpool were shaking off the rust against Sunderland in America, Bradley Barcola was seemingly informing Paris Saint-Germain that his future lies elsewhere. The winger has just handed the Reds their biggest boost yet in pursuit of replacing Mohamed Salah.

The Frenchman has been one to watch since the start of the transfer window. As soon as Liverpool saw their offer rejected for Yan Diomande, Barcola was the name in their sights.

He certainly matches the criteria that they’re looking for, too. The PSG star is direct, quick and has an eye for goal at just 23 years old.

How Liverpool’s attack could line up next season

Rio Ngumoha

After a breakout season last time out, Ngumoha looks destined for a more consistent role now that Andoni Iraola has arrived. Following the departure of Salah, the young winger could even find himself in a starting role, which would be much deserved after showing so much potential.

Alexander Isak

If anyone needs to hit the ground running next season, it is Isak. The forward endured a nightmare first season at Anfield, with injuries preventing him from really getting going. After showing flashes of his brilliance at the World Cup, however, the former Newcastle United star could finally find his feet at Liverpool.

Bradley Barcola

Say what you like about Liverpool’s potential new frontline, but it wouldn’t lack speed and direct threat. Barcola completed 3.05 dribbles per game at the World Cup and that followed an impressive season at PSG, in which he was involved in 20 goals in all competitions.

It’s been a slow start to the summer for Liverpool, but everything could be about to change following Barcola’s contract decision.

Bradley Barcola green-lights Liverpool move

REUTERS/Sam Navarro

According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Barcola has now green-lit a move to Liverpool and is prioritising the Reds, who have held talks with PSG over a deal.

This comes just after news broke from Fabrizio Romano that the winger has decided against signing a new contract at PSG and is instead open to exploring a move away from the French club.

It’s huge news for Liverpool, but the deal won’t come cheap. Previous reports claimed that PSG have set their asking price at an eye-watering £145m, which would see those at Anfield break their transfer record for the third time in the space of 12 months.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Alexander Isak

£125m

Newcastle

2025

2

Florian Wirtz

£116m

Bayer Leverkusen

2025

3

Virgil van Dijk

£75m

Southampton

2018

4

Hugo Ekitike

£69m

Frankfurt

2025

5

Alisson

£67m

Roma

2018

From a Liverpool perspective, the hope will be that PSG’s price-tag drops now that Barcola has opted out of signing a new contract. Just how much it would drop by remains to be seen, though. Either way, it looks like the Reds will have to pay a hefty price.