Liverpool are preparing an opening offer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and expect to submit a formal bid in the coming days, according to Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old France international has already turned down a contract extension from PSG and has fallen down the pecking order under manager Luis Enrique, despite the club being reigning European champions. Barcola has two years left on his current deal. According to The Guardian, Liverpool have held talks with the player's representatives and received encouragement that he wants to move to the Premier League.

PSG have placed a valuation in the region of £145 million on Barcola, a fee that would represent a British transfer record. Yahoo Sports reported on 26 July that Liverpool had submitted a €120 million offer — roughly £101 million, combining a base fee with add-ons — and that PSG were studying the bid. Whether Liverpool are prepared to meet the French club's full valuation is not yet clear, but the club intend to make Barcola their statement signing of the summer.

Arsenal are also competing for Barcola's signature, as The Guardian reported in late July. The two Premier League rivals could be set for a head-to-head chase if PSG decide to sell.

Liverpool's interest in Barcola is not new. The Guardian's Rumour Mill first linked the club with a £100 million approach back in June 2025. The story has gained steady momentum since: Liverpool's official website has published multiple items this month aggregating external reports, and on 28 July it carried an article stating that Barcola had reached an agreement in principle to join Liverpool after positive talks with manager Andoni Iraola. The No. 29 shirt Barcola reportedly favours is currently available at Anfield, the Mirror noted.

For fans, the appeal is straightforward. Barcola is a quick, direct wide player — the kind of winger who stretches defences and creates space for others. Iraola, appointed Liverpool manager after a strong spell at Bournemouth, wants to add a proven wide option to his squad. Liverpool have already signed forward Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna and finalised Jérémy Jacquet's arrival from Rennes for an initial £55 million this summer. The club are also looking to strengthen in defence, where Iraola is said to be particularly concerned about his options.

One target Liverpool have missed out on is Yan Diomande. The RB Leipzig winger was previously on Liverpool's radar but is set to join Real Madrid after PSG withdrew from a competing pursuit.

There is a recent Anfield connection, too. Barcola was named in PSG's squad for their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool on 14 April 2026, returning from a three-week injury absence. Luis Enrique said at the time that his availability would depend on a final training session.

Now the two clubs could be negotiating his departure instead of preparing to face each other. PSG hold the cards — their valuation, their player, their timeline. Liverpool have the intent and, it seems, the player's willingness. The gap between €120 million and £145 million is where this transfer will be won or lost.