Liverpool Targets Bradley Barcola After PSG Signing

Liverpool are preparing a renewed push for Bradley Barcola, sensing a clear opening after Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up a deal for Mika Godts.

The Premier League club have been locked in drawn-out negotiations all summer as they try to inject more cutting edge into Andoni Iraola’s attack. The sticking point has been familiar: price. PSG have held firm on a valuation of around £145m, a figure that had Liverpool seriously considering walking away and moving on to alternative targets, as reported by The Athletic last week.

Then Godts arrived.

PSG confirmed the signing of the Ajax winger in a deal that could rise to £47m, handing the French champions yet another highly rated wide option. Godts, who produced a stunning 30 goal contributions in 34 Eredivisie matches last season, has signed a five-year contract and walks straight into a crowded attacking department.

For Barcola, that changes everything.

Already frustrated by a lack of consistent starts and stuck behind the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, the Frenchman has been open to leaving in search of regular first-team minutes. Godts’ arrival only tightens the squeeze. One more direct rival, one fewer pathway to the pitch.

The pressure on PSG’s squad hierarchy is growing, and Liverpool sense their moment.

Reports in France suggest Godts’ move will accelerate Barcola’s exit, with Liverpool expected to table a fresh offer next week. Inside Anfield, confidence is said to be growing that the winger can be prised away, especially with the player’s own desire for more game time aligning neatly with Iraola’s need for another attacking weapon.

Arsenal, though, are still in the frame. Mikel Arteta’s side have long admired Barcola and remain interested in bringing him to north London. Yet some reports indicate the Gunners are reluctant to go anywhere near PSG’s steep asking price, leaving Liverpool better placed if the French club soften their stance.

Barcola’s current status at PSG underlined the situation this week. He did not get off the bench in the UEFA Super Cup as PSG edged Aston Villa 2-1, watching on as another summer recruit, Maghnes Akliouche, started in his position. Another sign of his slide down the pecking order.

Should Liverpool finally strike a deal, Barcola would become the second winger through the door this summer after Victor Munoz. One more step in a quiet but clear reshaping of Iraola’s front line – and potentially a decisive moment in a tug-of-war with Arsenal that could echo through the rest of the window.