Liverpool close in on £120m Bradley Barcola deal as Andoni Iraola seeks attacking reinforcements

Reports have claimed Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with PSG to sign France international Bradley Barcola in a deal worth about £120m, with more than £100m guaranteed.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola declined to confirm the proposed transfer but acknowledged the club are working to strengthen their options on the wing.

“As you know, we are trying to sign in that position, and as you know we cannot talk about players that, right now, are not ours,” Iraola said.

“But it is evident that we are trying to improve or trying to fill that position because we don’t have the numbers. I hope we can have good news soon, but we are still not there.”

Barcola, 23, moved to PSG in 2023 and has since made 152 appearances for the French club. He has scored 39 goals and provided 37 assists during that time, while also being included in France’s squad for the World Cup.

Liverpool are seeking additional attacking options after the departure of Mohamed Salah. Their need for greater depth has been increased by Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury.

If completed, Barcola’s arrival would give Iraola another high-profile option in an attack that includes Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.

Gakpo’s position has also been the subject of transfer speculation. The Netherlands forward has been linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Iraola, however, praised Gakpo’s approach during pre-season and highlighted his contribution in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on the opening weekend. Gakpo scored in that match.

“Very good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential in our games,” Iraola said.

“When the market is open, we have almost 30 players, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone.”

The manager’s comments come as he prepares for his first competitive home fixture as Liverpool boss. Nottingham Forest are due to visit Anfield on Saturday.

Iraola took over from Arne Slot after Liverpool finished fifth in the league last season, a disappointing result for the club. He said managing the team in front of a home crowd would be an emotional occasion.

“It is definitely a special moment for me,” Iraola said.

“I already felt it in pre-season. When the competition starts for me, I will be thinking of the game and the things I need to think of. But it is going to be emotional and I think it has to be like this.

“It is a special place. I had to fight a lot to arrive to this place, and I hope everything goes well and I can enjoy the game.”

The potential Barcola deal would represent one of the biggest moves of the transfer window and could provide Liverpool with an important boost in their search for more attacking quality.

For now, Iraola said negotiations had not reached their conclusion, despite reports of an agreement in principle between Liverpool and PSG. The manager’s immediate focus will be on Nottingham Forest and Liverpool’s first competitive match at Anfield under his leadership.

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