PSG Nears Deal for Ajax Winger Mika Godts to Facilitate Barcola Transfer
Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on Ajax winger Mika Godts as the French champions quietly clear the runway for Bradley Barcola’s proposed move to Liverpool.
The two deals now sit on the same track. One has to land before the other can take off.
Godts deal drives Barcola exit
PSG have gone back to Ajax with a fresh bid for Godts that is now close to the Dutch club’s valuation, with an agreement for the 21-year-old expected as early as this weekend. The Belgian has been specifically ring-fenced as Barcola’s replacement, and inside PSG his arrival is seen as the trigger that finally releases the France international.
Agent Jorge Mendes is involved in negotiations and talks have moved forward. The transfer for Godts is projected to come in at around €50m, a fee PSG are prepared to pay to complete the last major piece of their attacking reshuffle.
Once Godts is through the door, PSG believe they can sign off on Barcola’s departure having initially dug in over a £145m asking price.
Liverpool and PSG still apart on fee
Liverpool have already done the easy part: Barcola has agreed personal terms and made it clear throughout the process that Anfield is his preferred destination. Arsenal have monitored the situation and held discussions, but the 23-year-old has committed himself to Liverpool’s project and the Merseysiders remain in pole position.
The only problem is the number.
Liverpool currently value a Barcola deal at around £100m. PSG sources indicate they could be persuaded to sell for a package closer to £125m, a figure that would still push Barcola towards becoming the most expensive British transfer of all time, eclipsing last summer’s headline move for Alexander Isak to Newcastle.
PSG have now told Liverpool there is room to negotiate down from their original stance. But they also want a meaningful shift from Liverpool’s current valuation. For all the goodwill and groundwork, the fee is still the major obstacle.
PSG’s wider attacking puzzle
This is not a one-off reshuffle in Paris; it is a full succession plan.
Ferran Torres already has an agreement in place to join from Barcelona, but he is earmarked as the direct replacement for Goncalo Ramos. Maghnes Akliouche has arrived to cover the gap left by Lee Kang-In. Godts, and Godts alone, is the man identified to step into Barcola’s role.
That clarity explains PSG’s urgency with Ajax. They want the Godts deal wrapped up quickly so they can finally loosen their grip on Barcola.
If Ajax and PSG reach a full agreement this weekend, the last remaining barrier to Barcola in a Liverpool shirt will be the size of the offer coming out of Anfield.
For now, the pieces are lining up: Godts edging towards Paris, Barcola waiting for Liverpool, and PSG signalling—for the first time—that their valuation is not set in stone. The next move belongs to Liverpool.
