Negotiations dragged on for a long time, but an agreement has finally been reached: As expected, Bradley Barcola is leaving Paris to showcase his attacking prowess in Liverpool. The transfer fee of at least 125 million euros is particularly noteworthy.
After coming up through the ranks at Olympique Lyon and moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Bradley Barcola is signing with a foreign club for the first time—specifically, Liverpool FC.
“It took a long time, but I’m very happy to be playing for Liverpool. All I want is to be out on the field and able to play,” commented the Frenchman, who is arriving in England with big ambitions: “I hope to achieve great things. First and foremost, it’s one of my biggest dreams in life to win the Premier League.”
Another reason for the move is obvious: The 28-time French national team player, who made eight appearances at this year’s World Cup (three goals, one assist), had not extended his contract with PSG despite a higher financial offer. He apparently felt he lacked the prospect of being a permanent starter under coach Luis Enrique.
A windfall and a replacement already in place: PSG gives in
The Reds are now capitalizing on this, having brokered a deal in the triple-digit millions for the 23-year-old Barcola—The Athletic reports a fixed transfer fee of 125 million euros and up to 145 million euros including bonuses. The player himself, who is also expected to receive a generous salary, was given “a long-term contract” as part of the deal.
In addition to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and two straight Champions League triumphs, Barcola brings with him the impressive experience of 128 Ligue 1 appearances (34 goals) and 43 Champions League matches (six goals), and is expected to play a key role in Liverpool’s offensive lineup from the very start. The team led by new coach Andoni Iraola—which managed only a 2–2 draw at Newcastle and a 2–2 draw against Nottingham to start the new Premier League season—is expected to become even more unpredictable with this signing.
Paris, on the other hand, had already prepared for Barcola’s impending departure by signing several promising offensive players. They signed Mika Godts (21) from Ajax Amsterdam, Maghnes Akliouche (24) from AS Monaco, and World Cup final goal-scorer Ferran Torres (26) from FC Barcelona, each for around 50 million euros.