Liverpool Intensify Pursuit of Bradley Barcola Amid PSG Speculation

Liverpool’s rebuild up front has a new, familiar name at the top of the list: Bradley Barcola.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, a key part of France’s World Cup squad, has emerged as a serious target as Liverpool accelerate plans to reshape their attack before the 2026-27 season. According to French outlet Le10 Sport, the club have made a fresh approach for the 23-year-old, and this time the player is listening.

An attack in flux

The landscape at Anfield has shifted quickly. Mo Salah has gone. Hugo Ekitike faces a long spell out. Cody Gakpo, once central to the previous regime’s plans, is being linked with a move away after the dismissal of Arne Slot and the arrival of Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool have already moved decisively in the market, landing Victor Munoz in a £34million deal. They then tested RB Leipzig’s resolve with an eye-catching £86m bid for winger Yan Diomande, only to be knocked back. The intent is clear: the front line is being torn up and rebuilt.

Barcola is firmly in that conversation.

Barcola tempted by Premier League stage

Le10 Sport report that Liverpool’s renewed effort has found a receptive ear. Barcola is said to be open to leaving PSG and is attracted by the Anfield project and the chance to test himself in the Premier League.

He has chosen a good moment to showcase his talent. The forward scored in France’s World Cup opener last week, opening his tournament account late in a 3-1 win over Senegal despite being on the pitch for just two minutes. He then earned a start in Monday’s rain-lashed 3-0 victory against Iraq, underlining his growing status in Didier Deschamps’ squad.

Those performances have only sharpened Liverpool’s interest.

PSG ready to listen – at a price

Inside Paris, the stance is nuanced. PSG are not pushing Barcola out of the door, but they will not stand in his way if he asks to leave. The European champions have already drawn up a list of possible replacements, a clear sign they are planning for every scenario.

Barcola joined PSG from Lyon three years ago in a deal worth up to £43m and has grown into a consistent contributor: 39 goals and 35 assists in 152 appearances. At 23, with those numbers and a World Cup on his CV, PSG would expect – and almost certainly demand – a profit on any sale.

Arsenal have also been credited with interest, adding another layer of intrigue to the forward’s future. A Premier League tug-of-war would only strengthen PSG’s hand at the negotiating table.

Enrique wants to keep his man

One voice has remained constant through the noise: Luis Enrique’s. The PSG manager has been unequivocal about how highly he rates Barcola and what he represents for the club’s medium-term future.

“I have no doubt he'll remain our player,” Enrique said last season, when speculation first began to swirl. “We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years.”

Publicly, at least, Enrique is not preparing for life without him.

Barcola himself has stayed quiet, refusing to fan the flames while France chase World Cup glory. No declarations, no hints, no public push for a move. For now, the only statements he is making are on the pitch.

Liverpool, though, are circling. A forward line in transition, a World Cup breakout, a club willing to sell at the right price. Something has to give.