Liverpool’s Renewed Barcola Push Raises Hijack Concerns
Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but the club’s latest approach has also increased fears that another team could attempt to hijack the deal.
Barcola remains one of Liverpool’s biggest targets as they look to strengthen their attack. The 23-year-old France international is reportedly open to a move to Anfield, while Liverpool have continued discussions with PSG over a potential transfer.
However, the biggest obstacle has been PSG’s valuation. The French champions initially placed a price tag of around £145 million on Barcola, a figure Liverpool have been reluctant to meet. Recent reports suggest PSG could now be willing to lower their demands to approximately £125 million, although Liverpool are still not expected to rush into paying such a huge fee.
The situation has become even more interesting because PSG are strengthening their own options in attack. The French club have brought in Ferran Torres and are also pursuing Ajax winger Mika Godts. With more competition for places on the wings, Barcola’s situation could become easier to resolve if PSG decide they are prepared to let him leave.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are believed to have already made progress with Barcola’s camp. Reports indicate that the player has given priority to a move to Anfield and has not agreed to extend his PSG contract beyond its current terms. That puts Liverpool in a strong position on the player side, but they still need to reach an agreement with PSG.
The major concern is Arsenal. The Gunners have also been monitoring Barcola and have reportedly made contact with his representatives. With the transfer window approaching its final stages, Liverpool’s prolonged negotiations could give Arsenal or another interested club an opportunity to make their own move.
Liverpool therefore face a difficult balancing act. They want Barcola, but they do not want to overpay for him. At the same time, waiting too long could allow a rival to enter the race and complicate what Liverpool hope will eventually become one of their biggest attacking signings of the summer.
Fabrizio Romano has maintained that the transfer remains alive, with Liverpool continuing to negotiate with PSG. The financial agreement with Barcola is reportedly not the main problem; instead, the remaining disagreement is largely between the two clubs over the transfer fee.
Liverpool are also considering other PSG options, including young winger Ibrahim Mbaye, although Barcola remains the preferred target. The club could potentially bring in more than one attacking player, particularly if Cody Gakpo completes his proposed move to Tottenham.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s strategy could determine whether they land Barcola or allow the opportunity to slip away. Their improved offer shows they remain serious, but with Arsenal watching and PSG still holding out for a significant fee, the Reds cannot afford to let negotiations drag on indefinitely.
For Liverpool, the message is simple: get the deal done before the competition gets the chance to turn Barcola’s transfer into a major hijack.
