Liverpool have been conducting negotiations for several weeks regarding £145m-rated Bradley Barcola, with a potential deal potentially being finalised in the coming days.
Former France international Louis Saha has described Bradley Barcola as an exceptional acquisition for Liverpool, dismissing suggestions the winger is limited to playing exclusively on the left flank.
The Anfield club have been in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain after Barcola indicated his willingness to move to Merseyside before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
The forward is seeking a new opportunity and increased playing time after confirming he would not extend his contract in the French capital.
PSG value Barcola at approximately £145m and Liverpool have been working to reduce the France international’s valuation, with the player having two years remaining on his current agreement.
Champions League holders PSG have significantly strengthened their attacking options this summer by acquiring Mika Godts, Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche, creating competition for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, leaving Barcola well down the attacking hierarchy at Parc des Princes.
Despite PSG’s attacking abundance, Liverpool appear no closer to reaching an accord for the player they have identified as their primary transfer objective.
Speaking to Mr Gamble, Saha stated Barcola would represent an outstanding signing, noting the player’s pace and ability to both create chances for teammates and find the net himself. He suggested this explained why Arsenal and Liverpool were monitoring the situation closely.
Saha observed Manchester United also require a player of Barcola’s qualities but stressed they must evaluate every aspect of any potential transfer. He suggested agents are employing every possible tactic to maximise the asking price.
He referenced comparisons between Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Jr as an example United should avoid, suggesting such inflated transfers belong to a bygone era.
Saha described Barcola as an exceptional talent, highlighting the player’s powerful running and quality movement without the ball, drawing a comparison to Federico Valverde but suggesting Barcola possesses greater speed. He suggested if Barcola developed greater physical strength, he could operate in midfield, while his ability to make damaging runs and technical prowess in the penalty area were standout features.
Regarding suggestions Barcola can feature on the right side of attack, Saha, who represented Manchester United and Everton during his playing career, noted the player’s excellent crossing ability. He emphasised Barcola can operate effectively on either flank and considered it overly restrictive to limit a player to one position. He expressed frustration at players defining themselves in such limited terms, urging an end to such thinking.
He cited Sadio Mane’s evolution at Liverpool, where the forward switched flanks to accommodate Mohamed Salah’s arrival, as an example of tactical flexibility. He referenced Kylian Mbappé’s positional changes across his three World Cup appearances, initially featuring on the right before shifting to the left in his second tournament and becoming the central striker in the most recent competition.