Liverpool agree £123mn deal for PSG's Bradley Barcola, a record Ligue 1 exit fee
Synopsis
Liverpool have reportedly struck a £123 million deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola — a record fee for any player leaving French football. With Salah and Diaz gone, this is the Reds' biggest attacking bet in years, and it could simultaneously push Cody Gakpo out the door toward Tottenham or Manchester City.
Key Takeaways
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal of up to £123 million for PSG winger Bradley Barcola , comprising £106 million upfront and £17 million in add-ons.
The fee would be a record transfer for a player leaving the French top flight , surpassing PSG's initial valuation of £145 million .
Barcola scored three goals for France at the recent FIFA World Cup , where they reached the semi-finals.
Liverpool have been rebuilding their attack after the exits of Luis Diaz (to Bayern Munich) and Mohamed Salah (to Trabzonspor).
The deal puts Cody Gakpo's future in doubt, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City reportedly interested.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he 'cannot guarantee anything' regarding Gakpo's stay.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £123 million to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to reports, in what would be a record transfer fee for any player departing the French top flight. The initial fee is set at £106 million, with £17 million in potential add-ons, surpassing PSG's original asking price of £145 million after negotiations.
Why Liverpool Are Pursuing Barcola
The Merseyside club have been actively rebuilding their forward line following the exits of two key attackers over the past two summers. Luis Diaz departed for German giants Bayern Munich, while Mohamed Salah ended his celebrated nine-year association with the club by joining Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. Barcola is expected to provide cover for striker Alexander Isak and inject pace and creativity into the attack.
Barcola's Profile and PSG Career
Bradley Barcola has been at PSG since 2023 and boasts a decorated club record — a two-time Champions League winner, three-time Ligue 1 champion, and two-time French Cup winner. On the international stage, he featured prominently in the recent FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals as France reached the semi-finals. Despite his pedigree, his minutes at PSG had been curtailed, with the club favouring Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of him. He also enters the final two years of his contract, reportedly unwilling to extend his stay in Paris.
Gakpo's Future in Doubt
The arrival of Barcola casts uncertainty over the future of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo at Anfield. Reports indicate that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have registered interest in the Netherlands international. Gakpo featured in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Newcastle and is named in the squad for the upcoming home fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
What the Manager Said
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the uncertainty around Gakpo but expressed a clear desire to retain him. 'I cannot guarantee anything,' Iraola said, adding: '[Gakpo] has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and his holiday, with a very good attitude. I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential in our games.'
Other Transfer Targets
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring wingers Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace and Yankuba Minteh from Brighton, signalling an ambitious end to the summer transfer window. The club's aggressive recruitment reflects a broader rebuild under Iraola as they seek to restore their attacking depth.
Point of View
Whose minutes at PSG were being rationed, can justify the price tag at a club demanding immediate impact. The Gakpo subplot is the real story mainstream coverage is underplaying: a proven Premier League performer being edged out by an unproven acquisition is a gamble. If Barcola takes time to adapt, Iraola may find himself short of the wide options he needs across a congested fixture calendar.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Liverpool paying for Bradley Barcola?
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £123 million for Barcola, comprising an initial fee of £106 million and £17 million in potential add-ons. The deal would be a record transfer fee for any player leaving the French top flight.
Why is Barcola leaving PSG?
Barcola's playing time at PSG had been limited, with the club preferring Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the forward line. He is also reportedly in the final two years of his contract and unwilling to extend his stay at the club.
What is Bradley Barcola's international record?
Barcola represented France at the recent FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals as France reached the semi-finals. He has also won two Champions League titles, three Ligue 1 titles, and two French Cups with PSG since joining in 2023.
What happens to Cody Gakpo if Barcola joins Liverpool?
Gakpo's future at Anfield is reportedly in doubt following the Barcola agreement. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are said to be interested in the Dutch forward, though manager Andoni Iraola has expressed a desire to keep him.
Who else are Liverpool targeting in the transfer window?
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool are reportedly interested in wingers Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace and Yankuba Minteh from Brighton, suggesting a broad push to rebuild their attacking options before the window closes.
