Liverpool target Bradley Barcola as PSG winger features in Super Cup squad

By Megan Sinclair — 11 August 2026 — 4 min read

Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola

Liverpool are reportedly targeting Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola, with the Reds prepared to pay around £100m for the player. PSG, however, are said to be seeking a fee closer to £145m. Liverpool have recently announced the loan signing of Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo and are now focusing on concluding talks with PSG for Barcola.

This potential move comes as Liverpool look to strengthen their attack following the departure of Mohamed Salah, who left on a free transfer at the end of last season after a nine-year spell with the club. Salah scored 257 goals during his time at Anfield. Other attacking options for Liverpool include 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Italy forward Federico Chiesa, and new signing Victor Munoz. Additionally, France forward Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon in April and is not expected to play again in 2026, while Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move to Tottenham, though Liverpool have stated they do not wish to sell him.

Barcola, who is 23 years old, was part of France’s squad at the World Cup, where he played 28 times and scored three goals, including one in the 6-4 loss to England in the third-place play-off. His game time at club level and during the World Cup has been limited due to the presence of other wide options such as Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and France’s Desire Doue at PSG, and Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele for France. A move to Anfield could offer him more playing time.

Barcola’s playing style and achievements

Barcola moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m. Since then, he has won three Ligue 1 titles, the French Cup twice, the Uefa Super Cup, and the Fifa Intercontinental Cup. He has also featured as a second-half substitute in the past two Champions League finals, where PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in 2024-25 and then edged past Arsenal on penalties in May to retain their title.

Although right-footed, Barcola prefers to play on the left wing but can also operate on the right or through the middle. His playing style is influenced by his background as a striker until the age of 17, which is reflected in his movement and shot selection. Last season, he averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 and his 9.83 expected goals (xG) ranked in the 95th percentile among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues. He converted these chances into 11 league goals, outperforming his xG, and no other PSG player or Ligue 1 winger recorded a higher xG total during the 2025-26 campaign.

Barcola’s ability to drive at opponents and create shooting opportunities is highlighted by his average of more than two shot-ending carries per 90 minutes, making him the only player across Europe’s top five leagues to achieve this. He also averaged 8.69 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes, ranking seventh among over 1,500 eligible players. His shot map indicates a preference for attacking dangerous central areas. While he attempted more take-ons per 90 than Mohamed Salah last season (4.26 to 3.38), he created fewer chances (2.16 to 2.33) and attempted fewer crosses (1.15 to 4.89) and through balls (0.25 to 0.59).

Under Luis Enrique, Barcola’s game continues to evolve, with his passing profile in the Champions League becoming more focused on progressing play in the final third. His work without the ball is also a notable attribute, as he ranked ninth across Europe’s top five leagues for possessions won in the final third last season. This aggressive pressing and intensity aligns with the demands expected under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s manager. With Florian Wirtz excelling at releasing runners and Ekitike and Alexander Isak expected to occupy central defenders, Barcola’s willingness to make penetrative runs could suit Liverpool’s evolving attack.

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. The club has previously paid more than £100m for players, including midfielder Florian Wirtz and striker Alexander Isak. They could eventually pay Bayer Leverkusen £116m for Wirtz, and they paid a club record £125m to sign Isak from Newcastle.

Source: bbc.co.uk