Liverpool in official talks with PSG for Barcola; but a huge gap in valuation stands between them – The Kop Times

Liverpool have entered formal club-to-club negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for Bradley Barcola, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the talks are now official. The Reds opened with a bid worth over £100 million, a figure that falls well short of what PSG are demanding.

The French side, who have won back-to-back Champions League titles, are holding out for in the region of £145 million for a player who has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Barcola, 23, has made clear he will not sign a new deal at PSG and is attracted by the move to Anfield. That player power is Liverpool’s biggest lever. Romano notes there is still considerable distance between the clubs and the negotiations will take time, but Andoni Iraola’s side are committed to getting it done. Signing a winger has been a stated priority since Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season, and Barcola sits at the top of the shortlist.

PSG replacing Barcola with two signings — which helps Liverpool’s case

PSG are not sitting still. They have agreed a deal worth £42.7 million for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, per L’Equipe, and have opened talks to sign Ajax left winger Mika Godts. Luis Enrique’s side addressing Barcola’s departure proactively is a significant signal that the sale is a matter of when, not if.

Arsenal also hold an interest and have been credited with an approach. But Barcola has a verbal agreement in principle with Liverpool per the Daily Mirror, having held positive talks with Iraola directly. The fee is the final obstacle. At £100 million, Liverpool believe they are in reasonable territory. At £145 million, PSG believe they are not. That negotiation starts now.