Liverpool's New Bid for Barcola as PSG Signs Godts
Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola next week, sensing a clear opening after the French champions wrapped up a deal for Mika Godts.
The chase has dragged on all summer. Liverpool have been locked in negotiations with PSG as they try to arm Andoni Iraola with another high-impact attacker, but talks have repeatedly stalled over price. PSG have been holding firm at around £145m, a valuation that has tested the Reds’ resolve and almost pushed them towards alternative targets, according to a recent report from The Athletic.
Then came the twist.
PSG confirmed the signing of Godts from Ajax in a deal that could rise to £47m, handing Liverpool fresh belief that Barcola can finally be prised away. The 21-year-old Belgian arrives on a five-year contract after a stunning Eredivisie campaign, where he produced 30 goal contributions in 34 league appearances. That sort of output does not arrive to sit quietly on the bench.
His arrival ramps up the squeeze on Barcola.
Already frustrated by limited minutes and stuck behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in Luis Enrique’s pecking order, Barcola has been open to a move in search of a bigger role. Godts now adds yet another obstacle between him and regular starts at the Parc des Princes, sharpening the sense that a parting of ways is edging closer.
Reports in France suggest Godts’ transfer will only hasten Barcola’s exit, with Liverpool increasingly optimistic they can bring him to Anfield. The club are expected to return with an improved offer next week, banking on PSG’s crowded wide options and the player’s own desire for more game time to finally break the deadlock.
The timing could not be worse for Arsenal. The Gunners have also been tracking the Frenchman and are keen to add him to Mikel Arteta’s attacking rotation, but there are suggestions they are reluctant to go anywhere near PSG’s steep asking price. If Liverpool do go back in strongly, Arsenal may be forced to watch a key target head to a direct rival.
Barcola’s current status at PSG underlines the situation. He remained an unused substitute as PSG edged Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this week, with fellow summer recruit Maghnes Akliouche preferred from the start in his position. Another big night, another seat on the bench.
Should Liverpool finally get this deal over the line, Barcola would become the second winger through the door at Anfield this summer, following Victor Munoz. For a club reshaping its forward line under a new manager, the message would be clear: the rebuild of Iraola’s attack is not a theory. It is happening, and it is happening now.
