Ben Jacobs has explained why Liverpool have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The French winger has been the Reds’ top target for several months and he is keen on a move to Anfield. Andoni Iraola wants a new winger added to his squad and the Parisian attacker fits the bill with his pacey and tricky profile.
Liverpool has yet to agree on a deal with PSG for Barcola, who has been one of Luis Enrique’s most influential forwards in recent seasons. The Ligue 1 giants may be more open to allowing the 23-year-old to head to Merseyside amid recent business conducted at the Parc des Princes.
Liverpool’s Barcola Waiting Game Pays Off
Paul Childs via Reuters
There is a chance that others are looking to beat Liverpool to Barcola, including Arsenal, who admire him and view him as a Vinicius Junior alternative. Iraola’s transfer chiefs have been playing a waiting game, and their patience may now pay off.
Jacobs gave an update on Barcola’s situation and confirmed the player is sold on a move to Anfield, where there is confidence he is prioritizing them. He said on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast:
“Liverpool feel they’ve got that Barcola buy-in, so the only way someone else is going to beat Liverpool in Liverpool’s eyes, at least, and I stress that’s Liverpool’s sources’ perspective, is if they get completely outbid and then back away.”
PSG are closing in on three new signings and Jacobs explained how this could pave the way for Barcola to depart:
“And now, what is the domino or three dominoes really is Maghnes Akliouche coming in from Monaco, Ferran Torres coming in from Barcelona, plus the fact that Mika Godts is expected to join from Ajax. That’s three attack-minded players, and suddenly PSG have more urgency to sell Barcola. So Liverpool have been playing a waiting game in order to see whether that 170 million euro price drops. Now PSG are about to add two more editions on top of Akliouche.”
Bradley Barcola (Ligue 1 2025-26)
Club
Paris Saint-Germain 🇫🇷
Appearances
29
Starts
21
Minutes Played
1,750′
Goals
11
Assists
1
Goal Involvements (G+A)
12
Shots (Total)
66
Shots on Target
30
Yellow Cards
2
Red Cards
0
Barcola is one of Europe’s most highly-admired attackers who impressed at this summer’s World Cup as well as throughout last season with PSG. He is a player who has been on Liverpool’s wishlist in the past, including last year, although the Reds decided against a move then.
With the Frenchman clearly ready to join and PSG having made additions to Enrique’s attack, a potential deal looks increasingly likely. It’s just whether the Anfield chiefs can lower the asking price, given €170 million (£145m) is a lot of money after forking out over £100m twice last summer for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Barcola Has Always Been The Best Option
Reuters/Sam Navarro
Barcola is a special talent who could become a talisman at Liverpool, taking over from Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian winger’s exit. When the likes of Morgan Rogers are moving for £117m, PSG are well within their rights to demand a similar fee.
The Reds’ top target at the start of the window was Yan Diomande but he ended up at Real Madrid after previously prioritising a move to the Parc des Princes. At that time, Barcola felt he was the better option for Iraola, given his experience and the likelihood of him making an immediate impact.
Liverpool transfer targets
Bradley Barcola
Ibrahim Mbaye
Ezri Konsa
Adam Wharton
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With the Premier League starting in just over a week, the Kop will be eager for the club to seal a deal for Barcola. It’s been a somewhat underwhelming summer thus far but his arrival changes the game.