Liverpool and PSG Reach Agreement in Principle for Barcola in £120m Deal
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement in principle to sign winger Bradley Barcola for a package worth £120m. The deal, which includes over £100m guaranteed, is close to completion as the transfer window nears its end. This move is intended to replace Mohamed Salah and bolster Liverpool's attacking options, though it may impact the future of Cody Gakpo.
Key points
- Liverpool and PSG agreed on a £120m package for Barcola, with over £100m guaranteed.
- Negotiations are being handled by Richard Hughes, Billy Hogan, and Mike Gordon for Liverpool, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi for PSG.
- Barcola, 23, is a left-winger who also plays on the right and has two years left on his contract with PSG.
- The deal is not yet finalized, with last details being ironed out.
- Barcola's arrival may lead to the departure of Cody Gakpo, who is linked with Tottenham and Manchester City.
Background
Liverpool had been pursuing Barcola since late July, initially offering £100m, which was rejected by PSG. The club had previously explored other targets, including Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr, but Barcola remained their primary focus. The transfer is part of Liverpool's efforts to strengthen their squad after the departure of Mohamed Salah.
How outlets are covering it
The Times and The Athletic reported that Liverpool and PSG were close to a deal, with The Times citing a fee of £115m and The Athletic confirming a £120m package. BBC Sport and Sky Sports corroborated the £120m figure, noting that the deal was not yet finalized. Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports questioned whether Barcola, a left-winger, was the right fit to replace Salah, a right-winger, but acknowledged his quality. The Liverpool Offside expressed skepticism about the deal's completion, given the club's previous struggles in the transfer window.
Why it matters
The signing of Barcola would be Liverpool's second most expensive transfer, following Alexander Isak, and would significantly impact their squad balance. It could also lead to the departure of Cody Gakpo, who is linked with other clubs. The deal is crucial for Liverpool to strengthen their attacking options and compete in the Premier League and Champions League.
What to watch
The final details of the deal are being negotiated, and it is expected to be completed soon. Liverpool are also pursuing a second winger, with Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh as targets. The future of Cody Gakpo may be decided once Barcola's transfer is finalized.
- Liverpool Reportedly Believe £115M Barcola Deal Now Close The Liverpool Offside
- Liverpool reach agreement in principle with PSG for £120m Bradley Barcola transfer The New York Times
- Bradley Barcola: Liverpool close in on Paris St-Germain forward BBC
- Bradley Barcola transfer news: Liverpool reach £120m deal in principle for PSG forward Sky Sports
- Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Make Barcola Breakthrough; Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid Exit Sports Illustrated
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Liverpool Offside