Liverpool are preparing a first formal offer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola but will refuse to go beyond £100m – £45m short of the French club’s asking price, according to reports in England.
The Premier League side have identified the France international as their sole attacking priority as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Athletic reports that Barcola has made a “strong and decisive” decision to seek a new challenge in the Premier League and specifically wants to join Liverpool, strengthening the club’s resolve to test PSG’s stance.
Liverpool set spending limit
European champions Paris Saint-Germain are understood to value the 21-year-old at about £145m, a figure Liverpool consider excessive and have no intention of matching.
Sources close to the negotiations have told the outlet that Liverpool intend to formalise their interest with an offer not exceeding £100m. The Merseyside club believe they hold significant leverage because Barcola has refused to extend his current deal, which has two years left to run, and is adamant about moving to Anfield.
Liverpool’s willingness to commit such a sizeable fee reflects the scale of their bet on Barcola as the long-term successor to Salah in their forward line.
Key role in PSG’s double
Barcola underlined his growing reputation last season with a campaign that combined productivity and impact in major competitions.
He made 49 appearances in all competitions for PSG in 2023-24, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. His contributions were described as decisive in helping the club secure both the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League, despite fierce competition for his preferred position on the left wing.
At PSG, Barcola has had to contend for minutes on that flank with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, yet still established himself as an important figure in Luis Enrique’s attack.
From Lyon prospect to Salah heir?
A graduate of the Lyon academy, Barcola joined PSG in August 2023 and has since become a regular at the Parc des Princes.
He has played 152 matches for the Paris club, scoring 39 goals and registering 37 assists. Those numbers have reinforced Liverpool’s belief that he can fill the void that will eventually be left by Salah on the right side of their attack, even though Barcola’s natural position is on the left wing.
Liverpool’s hierarchy view his flexibility across the front line, combined with his age and output at the highest level, as justification for a major investment – but only within the price bracket they have set.
With Barcola intent on a move to Merseyside and PSG holding out for their valuation, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether the two clubs can find common ground over one of the most sought-after wide forwards in European football.
