Bradley Barcola has decided not to sign a new contract with Paris Saint Germain, and Liverpool are still working on a deal that has been in motion since April. The problem is the fee. Reports on PSG’s asking price have moved around, but the latest valuation has them looking for €170m (£145m), while Liverpool want the number lower before they push on.

Liverpool's early lead in the race

Fabrizio Romano said Liverpool have been leading the race for Barcola since April and are waiting for PSG to indicate the price and details. Ben Jacobs has also reported preliminary talks, with Liverpool described as a leading target this summer and PSG prepared to sell if the market reaches their number.

That is a decent place for Liverpool to be in July, but it is not the same as having a deal in hand. Romano’s line is the most useful one here because it shows two things at once, Liverpool are serious and PSG have not yet opened a door at the right price.

The price PSG want

The valuation itself is the obstacle. One report put PSG’s price around £140m, another at €170m (£145m), and earlier reporting also pushed the figure higher. Liverpool would rather pay £100m or less, which is a long way from the numbers being floated now.

Barcola’s profile helps explain why PSG are in no rush to cut the price. He has made 8 appearances this season across all competitions, scored 3 goals and averaged a 7.09 rating. That is a useful output, especially for a player still being priced as a premium asset, but it also explains why this looks more like a standoff than a straightforward chase.

Andoni Iraola has said Liverpool definitely need to sign a winger, so the need is real. Mohamed Salah is another high-level option in the squad, but Liverpool are still exploring the market and Barcola is one of the names they have pushed hardest.

For now, the story sits where it has for weeks, Liverpool are interested, PSG are firm, and the next move depends on whether the price comes down enough for the deal to become realistic.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →