Barcola gives green light to Liverpool move as PSG talks continue

Bradley Barcola has given his initial approval to join Liverpool, but the Premier League club remain some distance from agreeing a fee with Paris Saint-Germain, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The 23-year-old winger is under contract with PSG until the summer of 2028, yet the French champions are now in active negotiations with Liverpool over a potential transfer. L’Equipe reports that discussions between the clubs are ongoing, with a significant gap still to be bridged before any deal can be finalised.

Barcola’s stance has shifted in recent weeks after talks with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola. The Frenchman is understood to have spoken directly with Iraola, and that conversation played a key role in his decision to give what is described as a provisional agreement to the move.

Contract stand-off in Paris

L’Equipe revealed a few days ago that Barcola had brought negotiations with the PSG hierarchy over a contract extension to an end, having decided not to prolong his current deal.

The report stresses that his decision was motivated by sporting rather than financial reasons, even though PSG made an improved offer that would have increased his salary.

Barcola is said to be unhappy with the role he currently occupies in the squad. He has often been used as a substitute or deployed out wide rather than in his preferred position, and this has led to frustration over his status in the team.

That situation has been underlined by the fact he started the last two UEFA Champions League finals on the bench, featuring only as a replacement on those occasions rather than as a first-choice starter.

Future still unresolved

Despite his refusal to extend his contract and his openness to joining Liverpool, Barcola’s departure from the Parc des Princes this summer is not yet guaranteed.

L’Equipe reports that the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether he remains with the French champions beyond this transfer window or secures a move away.

Liverpool are not alone in pursuing the winger. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also described as being in the race to sign Barcola, while Chelsea, who had previously shown interest, are now considered to have dropped out of the running.

Transfer market reshaped

The situation has been complicated further by Real Madrid’s move for Oumar Diomande, identified by PSG as their primary transfer target.

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Diomande has altered PSG’s transfer plans and could have a direct impact on Barcola’s future. How PSG adjust their strategy in response may influence whether they are prepared to sanction his sale during this window.

Since joining Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola has made 152 appearances in all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists.