Liverpool Pursues Bradley Barcola: Verbal Agreement in Place

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has moved into a new gear, with Fabrizio Romano claiming the club now has a “verbal agreement” with the Paris Saint-Germain winger over a move to Anfield.

The message from Barcola’s side is clear: he wants Liverpool.

Liverpool lock in on Barcola

After missing out on Yan Diomande, who joined Real Madrid, Liverpool have zeroed in on Barcola as they look to rebuild a forward line that still hasn’t truly replaced Mohamed Salah’s influence.

Ronald Araujo, Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have all arrived this summer, but the squad still looks thin in wide areas. That’s why Liverpool are exploring the possibility of bringing in as many as two more wingers before the window shuts, with Cody Gakpo’s future uncertain amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Barcola, though, sits at the top of the list. He is under contract at PSG until 2028, yet reports in France and England suggest he does not want to extend because his priority is a move to Liverpool.

Romano has repeatedly stressed that personal terms are not an obstacle. In his latest YouTube update, he went a step further, stating that a “verbal agreement” is now in place between Liverpool and Barcola, adding that the player “wants to go” and that Liverpool are “ready to go strong” to get the deal done.

The club’s stance is simple: a deal is on. And they still want two wingers in total.

PSG hold out for huge money

The problem is PSG’s price tag.

Liverpool must now find a way through talks with the French champions, who are demanding a colossal fee. Initial reports put their valuation at around £145m for Barcola alone.

On Thursday, Romano reported that PSG were seeking what he called a “crazy” proposal of around €200m for a package involving both Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. That figure has already had consequences: Liverpool have stepped away from any move for Mbaye.

Barcola remains the focus, but the numbers are eye-watering.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has gone even stronger, claiming the Reds are “getting closer” to an agreement at €125m (£106m) for Barcola, with a proposed contract running until 2032. His update, posted on X, painted a picture of a deal edging forward, but that valuation would still represent a significant climbdown from PSG’s initial demands.

At this stage, that figure should be treated with caution. PSG’s opening stance has been firm, and it is difficult to see them simply accepting a much lower offer without a fight.

Al-Khelaifi keeps cards close

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has not shut the door on a sale, but he has given nothing away either.

“We’re working calmly,” he said when asked about potential departures. “We don’t talk too much. We get things done. All of our players are important. When they sign for PSG, they become important to us.”

It’s a classic PSG position: respect the player, protect the asset, keep the market guessing.

Liverpool, though, have made their move with Barcola himself. The player is on board. The project is sold. The agreement is verbal, but it’s there.

Now it comes down to the one thing that always decides these sagas: will Liverpool pay what PSG want, or will the French champions blink first?