Liverpool have opened negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for French winger Bradley Barcola with the French giants demanding a £145m transfer fee
Liverpool have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a blockbuster transfer for French winger Bradley Barcola.
One of the stars of the World Cup with France and a two-time Champions League winner with PSG, the 23-year-old is one of the most highly-rated players in Europe but has been displaced in the French giants’ glittering starting XI since the arrival of wing wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Barcola could become Andoni Iraola’s first marquee signing and set a new British transfer record. Meanwhile, the Spanish coach is celebrating another pre-season victory after a second half strike from teenage ace Rio Ngumoha earned a 1-0 win over Championship outfit Wrexham at New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Liverpool begin Barcola discussions
Sky Sports News has revealed Liverpool could be on course to secure their ideal Mohamed Salah successor after initiating talks to sign Bradley Barcola.
The player is said to have verbally committed to the switch, with PSG now requiring to persuading over the transfer fee.
That won’t be an insignificant obstacle to overcome, though, with Les Parisiens reportedly seeking £145million for their asset. To place that sum into perspective, it would comfortably surpass the British transfer record of £125m Liverpool spent on Alexander Isak last summer.
Barcola, 23, has moved into the final two years of his deal at the Parc des Princes. He’s also understood to have rejected the prospect of fresh discussions over a contract extension.
Iraola has been given additional encouragement following French reports that Barcola snubbed Chelsea earlier this summer. Given that Liverpool are progressing in negotiations, it indicates a switch to England’s most successful football club is more appealing to the French ace.
The reality that Barcola is in the final two years of his deal represents a crucial element in the transfer saga. While PSG maintain a strong negotiating position, Liverpool will be acutely conscious that Barcola’s potential valuation could fall dramatically next summer.
This might provide the Premier League giants with a significant bargaining tool in talks. PSG were favourites to secure another Liverpool target in Yan Diomande but have reportedly cooled their interest, amid reports the 19-year-old RB Leipzig star is destined for Real Madrid.
Fernandez-Pardo submits transfer request
Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo is said to have submitted a transfer request at his club, reports the Mirror.
The 21-year-old has been mentioned as a Liverpool target and appears keen to take advantage of the current speculation surrounding his future.
Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are among the other big-name clubs reportedly keen on the player. He is believed to carry a transfer price tag of around £50m, making him a significantly more affordable option than some of Liverpool’s other attacking targets.
Belgian international Fernandez-Pardo is versatile across the front line, but has primarily featured as a centre forward for Lille.
The young talent scored eight goals and provided five assists in 29 Ligue 1 outings last season.