Liverpool in ongoing talks to sign £51m winger

Liverpool haven’t exactly been riding the crest of a wave since winning the Premier League under Arne Slot’s management, but there is a fresh sense of optimism at the start of the Andoni Iraola era.

Though FSG still need to bring over a number of impactful signings before the transfer window slams shut in one month, the expectation at Anfield will be that Andoni Iraola’s side challenge for titles this season. The star-studded line-up may yet be further reinforced with world-class talent.

Bradley Barcola could be on his way to Liverpool. He wants to join, and Liverpool want him too. FSG are currently engaged in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, and the hope and expectation is that a deal will be done ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

Why Liverpool need a superstar signing like Barcola

Barcola would be the perfect proverbial Mohamed Salah replacement at Liverpool next season. Even though he’s not strictly a right-sided forward, the Les Bleus superstar has the potential to achieve greatness.

Over the past two years in Paris, he has been directly involved in 62 goals for Luis Enrique’s outfit, winning two Champions League titles and being lauded as “one of the best left wingers in the world” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

A dynamic and fearless winger, Barcola prefers the left, but he has experience down the right and as something of a makeshift centre-forward.

There is so much to like, with his playing style aligning with the properties Iraola values from his forwards (just look at Antoino Semenyo at Bournemouth). However, it’s not signed and sealed yet.

PSG have set a £145m price tag that needs to be lowered. Liverpool would not pay such a fee, and if common ground cannot be found ahead of September, FSG are prepared to shift their focus elsewhere.

Liverpool in surprise talks for Barcola alternative

If Liverpool fail to convince PSG to lower their lofty asking price, then Barcola may well stay at the Parc des Princes throughout the penultimate year of his contract.

Though Mika Godts has emerged as PSG’s top target to replace the possibly outgoing Barcola, TEAMtalk have revealed that Liverpool have emerged as shock contenders to hijack the deal, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham also in the running.

The various suitors have been informed by representatives following talks that a deal could be struck throughout the summer, and if Barcola doesn’t end up on Merseyside, he could be the perfect addition for Iraola’s new side.

The 21-year-old has superstar potential, with PSG looking to close a €60m (£51m) deal in the coming weeks. With Maghnes Akliouche also pursued to fill in down their right flank, it’s obvious that Godts, a left winger, is being targeted with Barcola’s exit in mind.

This is a complicated situation that could prove difficult to unknot, so look at it this way: Liverpool are on course to sign Barcola this summer, but should they fail, Godts’ chances of moving to Paris would diminish, thus opening a surprise door to bring the young

The Dutch league isn’t as strong as Ligue 1, but the difference isn’t seismic. Godts is clearly a first-class talent, with PSG willing to welcome him into their star-studded frontline, chasing a historic Champions League three-peat, only achieved by Real Madrid.

This is a multi-functional winger, and no mistake. With Cody Gakpo’s future on Merseyside uncertain, the desire to sign such a mercurial player is only heightened, and while he doesn’t share Barcola’s world-class stock, all the pointers suggest that he could outstrip the Frenchman in the future.

After all, the Belgian posted 17 goals and 15 assists across all competitions for Ajax last season, and his unpredictable, fearsome dribbling style lends itself to goals galore – evidenced over the past year.

Given that he would potentially cost less than half the figure required for Barcola, there’s no question that Liverpool could hit the jackpot here, pulling off a shrewd signing that is reminiscent of FSG when at the height of their game in the transfer market.

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