Barcola to Liverpool: Transfer fee, salary and likely shirt number for PSG star
Bradley Barcola has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool in recent weeks as their major overhaul continues.
Barcola, 22, has enjoyed a great season in Paris, registering 40 goal involvements in 58 appearances as Paris Saint-Germain won the treble.
However, following the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, the winger’s game time has decreased due to the abundance of attacking talent the new European Champions have at their disposal.
With Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia set to be the first-choice front three next season at the Parc Des Princes, links with Barcola moving to Anfield have surfaced.
It has been reported that the French international would cost £100million, which would require Arne Slot’s side to sanction outgoings at Anfield to balance the books.
The former Lyon man’s wages would likely not be an issue, with Barcola supposedly earning just £105,000 a week in France.
Barcola could eye number seven shirt at Anfield
Liverpool have begun rebuilding their squad following Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived for £29.3m, while deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez look set to be completed soon.
With further incomings expected at Anfield, outgoings will be necessary to comply with both the homegrown quota and the Profit and Sustainability rules.
One player that could be on the move to facilitate a potential move for Barcola is Luis Diaz.
Diaz has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona and teams in Saudi Arabia interested.
Liverpool will not sell Diaz unless they receive a substantial fee, but should the Colombian leave Anfield, Barcola could fill his vacant number seven shirt.
The PSG man could also take the number 29 shirt that he currently wears in the French capital, with the number being left open at Anfield since Arthur Melo’s loan spell ended in 2023.
£100m-rated Barcola could be long-term Diaz replacement
A move for Barcola, even if unlikely at this stage, would make sense for Liverpool. However, it must be factored in that PSG reportedly value the player in the region of £100m.
The former Lyon winger and Diaz possess very similar play styles, with Barcola being significantly younger.
After an impressive start, Diaz was inconsistent at points for Liverpool this past season, which included a streak of just one goal in 11 Premier League games.
The Reds clearly don’t want to let Diaz go, but the fact that he is 28 and has just two years left on his deal, with no extension looking likely, makes a deal at the right price for the French international the correct call.