Liverpool took a crucial step towards the possible signing of striker Barcola, according to findings from French publications released on July 29, 2026. The player has already signaled positively to the project presented by the English club, now waiting for the two teams to reach a consensus on the values to finalize the transfer. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, although there is still a significant difference between the amount requested by Paris Saint-Germain and what Liverpool is willing to pay.
Liverpool’s priority in this transfer period is to strengthen its offensive sector, especially after the departure of Salah, an important pillar in recent years. Barcola, 23 years old, is emerging as the board’s main target, surpassing the interest of other big clubs such as Arsenal, due to his ability to play in different attacking positions and his tactical fit with coach Iraola’s philosophy. The English club has intensified contacts in recent weeks, taking the lead in the dispute for the player.
Sources close to the negotiation indicate that the striker spoke directly with coach Iraola and Liverpool management before giving his approval for the change. Although there is still no signed contract, the player’s expressed desire to play in the Premier League is seen as a factor that could speed up negotiations and pressure PSG to be more flexible in negotiations.
The biggest obstacle to completing the deal continues to be the financial part. European reports value Barcola at between 128.5 million and 145 million pounds sterling. Liverpool, in turn, is working to reduce this request before formalizing an official proposal. Paris Saint-Germain’s stance seems more open to negotiations, as the Frenchman has already signaled that he does not intend to renew his contract, which runs until June 2028.
Liverpool had monitored other names for the winger position during the transfer window, but Barcola became the priority target after Yan Diomande approached a deal with Real Madrid. The English board believes that the Frenchman has characteristics that can significantly raise the level of the offensive sector, preparing an official attack after initial conversations with the player’s representatives.
The current expectation lies in PSG’s decision. Although the French club is open to discussing a sale, it maintains a request considered high by the English. However, the understanding already reached between Barcola and Liverpool is seen as an important step forward in unlocking negotiations and paving the way for an agreement.
If the financial negotiation is successful, this transfer could become one of the biggest in the history of English football. This investment reflects Liverpool’s big bet on one of the most valued strikers in the current European market.
What characteristics would Barcola bring to Liverpool’s attack?
Barcola’s possible arrival at Liverpool fills a need identified by the club since Salah’s departure. The attacker preferably plays on the left wing, but his versatility allows him to also play on the right or centrally, which considerably expands the tactical options for coach Iraola in attack.
One of the French player’s main qualities is his speed. Barcola’s characteristic is to attack spaces without the ball, standing out for his deep runs and ability to accelerate the team’s offensive transitions. Expert analysis indicates that this profile fits perfectly with Iraola’s ideas, whose teams are known for exploiting intensity, high pressure and the constant movement of their wingers.
Another important differentiator is his tactical intelligence on the field. Trained in Lyon’s youth teams and improved by Luis Enrique at PSG, the striker showed a significant evolution in decision-making, better alternating moments of accelerating the play and valuing possession of the ball. His experience as a center forward during part of his training also made it easier for him to attack the area and appear in finishing positions.
In addition to mobility and intelligence, Barcola accumulates impressive numbers in his career. Over the past three seasons, he has won 13 titles with PSG, including two consecutive Champions Leagues, and scored 39 goals in more than 150 appearances. Despite having lost space in decisive games after the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he continued to be considered one of the main options in the Parisian squad.
