Luis Enrique’s remarks on Saturday about Bradley Barcola are likely to catch Liverpool supporters’ attention.
The winger has emerged as the Reds’ top transfer priority in recent weeks, with Fabrizio Romano reporting daily contact between the two clubs over a possible switch to Anfield for the French international. The 23-year-old has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Andoni Iraola’s side, who could seal the deal by meeting a £125m valuation set by PSG, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
Speaking to reporters before his side’s Trophée des Champions clash with Lens on Sunday, Enrique addressed the topic of possible departures at the Parc des Princes and appeared to suggest Barcola might be among those heading for the exit. He explained that his squad is youthful and ambitious, and that it matters to him to bring in players who are fully invested in PSG’s style and committed to the club. He added that when a player isn’t happy or eager to be there, finding an alternative path forward is the better option.
Enrique stopped short of naming Barcola directly, but he made similar comments in late July, stressing that he only wants fully committed players in his squad — and it’s widely known that Barcola has his eye on a Liverpool move. His omission from PSG’s matchday squad in the UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa in midweek raised eyebrows, and further fuelled talk of an exit, as did images of him sharing a warm embrace with sporting director Luis Campos after the final whistle in Salzburg.
Whether that embrace was a farewell gesture remains open to interpretation, but given the intense speculation swirling around his future, it’s easy to read into it. If Enrique’s comments were indeed a veiled message to Barcola that he won’t tolerate discontent within the squad, it may point to a willingness to sell the forward this summer.
There’s a growing feeling that PSG are preparing for Barcola’s departure, and all signs continue to point toward Liverpool as his likely next destination.
