Bradley Barcola is back in the frame for Liverpool because the contract situation at Paris Saint Germain has shifted again. Fabrizio Romano said on X on 26 July 2026 that Barcola will not sign a new PSG deal, and that the 23-year-old is open to exploring a move this summer. Romano also put Liverpool at the front of the queue.
Romano's update on Barcola
Romano was even more direct in a separate post, saying: "Barcola is the top top top target of Liverpool". That is a stronger signal than the usual summer noise around a winger with obvious admirers. It does not mean a deal is done, and it does not erase the price problem, but it does show Liverpool are treating Barcola as a genuine priority rather than a nice idea.
Barcola's World Cup numbers help explain why. He made 8 appearances and scored 3 goals, with a 7.09 average rating across the tournament. That is the sort of output that keeps elite clubs interested when the player is still only 23.
The price and Liverpool's alternatives
The part that still complicates things is the fee. PSG have reportedly put a £140m price tag on Barcola, which is a serious barrier even for a club like Liverpool. Romano has already said he does not know whether a move is financially possible, while also stressing that Liverpool remain super keen on the winger.
That is why Maghnes Akliouche keeps cropping up as a cheaper alternative. James Pearce said Monaco's right winger was discussed earlier in the window and estimated a €50-60m range, but also called him "a possibility, rather than a kind of definite they'll be making a move for him." Liverpool's search is still open, and Barcola sits at the expensive end of it.
Liverpool's wider rebuild is another reason the chase matters. The club finished 5th in the Premier League and 3rd in their Champions League group with 18 points from 8 matches, so the need for attacking work is obvious enough. The Barcola update does not close the market, but it does sharpen the picture: Liverpool have a top target, and he is now openly available to tempt.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
