Updated: 2 Aug 2026 18:21 BST |
4 min read
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Liverpool remain in talks over a summer deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola and they have received renewed hope that an agreement can be reached in recent days.
The France international has been earmarked as a priority target by the Liverpool hierarchy ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and he is regarded as a player capable of helping the Reds challenge for the Premier League title during Andoni Iraola’s debut season in charge.
Barcola scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 49 games last term, and while he isn’t a like-for-like replacement for club legend Mohamed Salah, he would certainly add significant firepower to Liverpool’s attack.
PSG are reportedly demanding a fee of €170 million to sanction a sale before Deadline Day, however Luis Enrique’s side are on the verge of signing AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, while they have now opened negotiations with Ajax over a possible deal for Mika Godts.
As a result, it appears as though Barcola is likely to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, and Liverpool are currently leading the race to secure his signature, ahead of fellow suitors Arsenal, who are prioritising a bombshell move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior.
How would Andoni Iraola use Bradley Barcola?
Barcola is one of the most electrifying wingers in world football and his sheer pace would be a huge asset for a Liverpool team that struggled immensely to create chances out wide last season.
The Frenchman’s acceleration is one of his best attributes and his ability to make runs in behind is a trait that would hugely benefit Florian Wirtz. The Germany international endured a tough debut campaign at Anfield, but his creative passing and vision would synchronise well with Barcola’s desire to burst in behind into space.
The PSG winger certainly isn’t the finished product in the final-third and this is a worry considering the fee that it will take to lure him away from the Parc des Princes. However, his raw attributes would provide Andoni Iraola with a lot to work with and his ability to play on either flank means he could dovetail nicely with Rio Ngumoha in 2026-27.
Summer signing Victor Munoz and Cody Gakpo will also be options at Iraola’s disposal, but a wing pairing of Ngumoha and Barcola would be extremely intriguing. Both players are immense threats when dribbling out wide and it’s highly likely that Iraola would look to utilise this by devising a system that provides the pair with regular opportunities to beat their full-back and either cut inside in order to take a shot or get to the byline and deliver a cross.
Primarily, Barcola would be used on the left by Iraola, however he has significant experience on the opposite flank for both Lyon and PSG, and this versatility means he would likely shift flanks with Ngumoha on a regular basis throughout matches.
This tactical flexibility could prove hugely useful for Iraola and it’s undoubtedly a crucial reason behind Liverpool’s intense pursuit of the France attacker.
The Reds may have endured a disappointing 2025-26 season, but their squad already looks strong on paper ahead of the new campaign and the potential arrival of Barcola could help fire them towards title contention.
Liverpool starting XI with Bradley Barcola
GK: Alisson
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Jeremy Jacquet
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Milos Kerkez
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
RW: Rio Ngumoha
CAM: Florian Wirtz
LW: Bradley Barcola
ST: Alexander Isak
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