Barcola boost as PSG winger pushes for Liverpool move

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has received a significant lift, with reports emerging that the Paris Saint-Germain forward has formally requested to leave the French capital and has identified Anfield as his preferred destination ahead of rivals Arsenal.

The 23-year-old’s contract negotiations with PSG have collapsed entirely, and the Champions League winners are now resigned to losing him this summer.

Barcola is understood to be “thrilled” at the prospect of joining Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool project and is said to be excited by the club’s vision for the season ahead.

With Arsenal also circling, the winger’s clear preference for Merseyside gives Liverpool a meaningful advantage in what could develop into a significant tug-of-war.

The main obstacle, as it has been throughout, is PSG’s £112m asking price. The are holding firm on a valuation that neither Liverpool nor Arsenal has yet been willing to match.

Barcola remains contracted until 2028, giving PSG little urgency to drop their demands, and the club’s negotiating position is strengthened further by the knowledge that multiple clubs are interested.

Despite the fee disagreement, the mood around the deal appears to be shifting. Barcola’s eagerness to move, combined with PSG’s broader acceptance that a sale is inevitable, suggests that the gap between asking price and offer could close in the coming days.

Liverpool are believed to be optimistic that a deal can be structured to suit all parties, potentially with add-ons bridging the difference.

The 23-year-old Frenchman would be a statement signing for the Reds. His pace, directness and eye for goal made him one of Ligue 1’s most dangerous forwards last season, and his ability to operate across the front line would give Iraola genuine versatility in attack.

Alongside the recently-signed Victor Munoz, a forward line built around Barcola would represent a significant upgrade on what Liverpool’s difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Whether Liverpool can get a deal over the line before PSG consider alternative offers remains the key question. The player wants to come. Now the clubs need to agree on a number.