Good news for Liverpool as the real cost of signing Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye has been shared
Liverpool have received a big boost in their chase for Bradley Barcola after PSG’s chairman spoke about the transfer rumors. Even though Liverpool is starting a new season with a fresh manager and a different style of play, they have been quite quiet during this summer’s transfer window.
With just over a week left before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United, the Reds have only made two signings so far. They surprised many by signing Spanish winger Victor Munoz, who joined after his €40 million (£34.6m) release clause at Osasuna was triggered in June. They also brought in Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, despite losing big names like Andrew Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, and Mohamed Salah as free agents.
Liverpool is still reported to be eager to make a big move before the window closes by signing PSG attacker Bradley Barcola. The French forward is said to be unhappy at PSG, as he hasn’t been playing much in what’s considered one of Europe’s strongest attacks. He’s keen to move to Anfield for more opportunities.
After Barcola was once again left out in PSG’s UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa, PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi made a curious statement about the transfer. Speaking on French TV, he said, “We’re working calmly, we don’t talk too much, we do. I can’t say if he will leave or not. Today, he is a PSG player. We’ll see!”
Liverpool is expected to make a formal offer in the next few days, especially since Barcola has made it clear he won’t be signing a new contract, with just two years left on his current deal.
Although the exact price is unknown, Liverpool will likely have to pay more than £100 million. Reports suggest PSG wants up to £145 million for Barcola. Because of this high price, Liverpool are also looking at other wingers, including Barcola’s PSG teammate Mbaye, who might also leave the club.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool could try to sign both players. They have already talked to Mbaye’s new agent, George Mendes, but feel PSG’s asking price is too high. PSG think signing both Barcola and Mbaye would cost Liverpool nearly €200 million (£171m), a figure seen as “crazy” by other clubs.
Still, Romano says Liverpool plans to bring in two new wingers before the transfer window closes on September 1, especially if Cody Gakpo moves to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur this summer.