Bradley Barcola is Liverpool's top winger target, but the deal is stuck for now. Fabrizio Romano says nothing can happen while he is still at the World Cup with France, and PSG want big money before they even consider a sale. Liverpool had first looked at Yan Diomande, backing a €100million (£86m) proposal before switching their focus.
France's World Cup run is the first obstacle
Romano was blunt about the timing. “While he is at the World Cup with France, nothing will happen,” he said, before adding that PSG want big money and do not view Barcola as untouchable. The winger has 2 goals and 1 assist in 5 World Cup appearances, with 285 minutes already logged for France.
That is a sensible place for PSG to wait. Barcola has also started 35 of his 49 PSG appearances last season, so this is not a fringe player being talked up for exit season. He has been involved enough for Paris to demand a serious bid, and his form for France gives them more reason to hold the line.
Liverpool, Arsenal and the price question
Romano's read still leaves Liverpool in front. He said the club have Barcola “on top of their list”, and that he has been on it for months. Arsenal are also in the picture, but Romano was clear that Morgan Rogers is their priority, which leaves Barcola as a secondary option rather than the main plan.
That is where the real negotiation sits. PSG are open to a sale if the proposal is strong enough, but the club's stance is not a soft one. Barcola is important to them, he is just not untouchable, and the money has to be right before anything moves. For Liverpool, the wait is now tied to France's tournament exit and PSG's valuation, not to any lack of interest.
Once France are out, the conversation can start properly. Until then, Liverpool's interest is real, Arsenal's role is secondary, and Barcola's next step depends on what PSG do with the first big offer.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →