Bradley Barcola is set to join Liverpool after the Premier League club reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain over the structure of the transfer, with the France international expected to sign a contract running until 2031.
The 23-year-old had previously been valued at around £145 million by PSG, with negotiations initially complicated by the difference in valuation between the two clubs.
Barcola would become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing, behind Alexander Isak, who joined the club from Newcastle United for a reported £125 million last summer.
His arrival could also pave the way for Cody Gakpo to leave Anfield, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City reportedly interested in the Netherlands international.
Liverpool are also exploring the possibility of signing another winger after negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh proved difficult. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr has emerged as an alternative target.
Barcola is regarded as a highly talented winger with significant potential, although his expected arrival has raised questions about Liverpool’s attacking balance.
The Frenchman has primarily operated from the left, while Liverpool already have several players capable of playing in that position. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher questioned whether Barcola addresses the club’s biggest need.
“He’s a left winger for me,” Carragher said. “They don’t have anyone who looks comfortable playing on the right but they have four players in the squad before Barcola joins who can play off the left.”
Liverpool’s attacking setup has also changed following the arrival of Hugo Ekitike and Isak, with Mohamed Salah taking on more of a creative role last season rather than focusing solely on scoring.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to assess their options after talks for Minteh stalled.
Crystal Palace are reluctant to sell Sarr and regard the 28-year-old as not for sale, with the winger having three years remaining on his contract.
Sarr missed Palace’s opening-day defeat at Everton amid speculation over his future. However, reports that he had refused to train have been disputed, with the player understood to be dealing with an injury.
Palace manager Pierre Sage said the club remains focused on having Sarr back on the pitch.
“He is with us,” Sage said. “For me, he is honest, and I have no problem with that. We just want him on the pitch, and all the rest for the other people.”
