Liverpool have emerged as frontrunners in the race to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, dubbed the “next Mo Salah,” following their disappointment in missing out on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who sealed a £65m switch to Manchester City earlier this week.
The Reds had been monitoring Semenyo closely, with the 25-year-old winger’s release clause making him an attractive option for several Premier League clubs. However, Manchester City acted swiftly at the start of the transfer window, securing the Ghanaian’s services and leaving Liverpool to pivot to alternative targets. This setback has intensified their search for a dynamic wide forward to bolster Arne Slot’s attacking options.
Enter Bradley Barcola, the 23-year-old French talent at PSG, who carries a hefty £100m valuation. According to reports from Caught Offside, Liverpool have done the “most work” on a potential deal, positioning them ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in what promises to be a high-stakes battle. Barcola’s versatility to operate on both flanks makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool, especially as they plan for life beyond Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires in 2027.
Salah, the Egyptian icon, has seen his starting role diminish under Slot this season, fueling speculation about his future. While the 33-year-old remains a key figure, Liverpool are keen to build around younger prospects like Barcola, who could seamlessly step into the right-wing role or provide competition on the left. The PSG star’s situation in Paris has added intrigue—despite being offered a new contract, he hasn’t responded, and his limited starts under Luis Enrique stem from the arrivals of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the rising form of Desire Doue.
A source close to the situation told Caught Offside: “Barcola has struggled to play regularly under Luis Enrique, but he’ll be leaving in the summer, so a new manager could in theory give Barcola more of a key role. Liverpool’s interest is very strong, and if his situation doesn’t improve he’ll surely be open to the move, but the manager situation is one to watch.”
For Liverpool, the need for reinforcements is pressing. Cody Gakpo has endured a inconsistent campaign on the left wing, leaving 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha as the primary backup—a risky reliance on youth. Barcola’s ability to deliver pace, creativity, and goals could revitalize Slot’s forward line, especially as the Reds chase domestic and European success.
However, prising Barcola away from PSG won’t be straightforward. His contract runs until 2028, and while Enrique’s impending departure at season’s end could shake things up, a new manager might integrate him more centrally. Arsenal and Chelsea, both seeking attacking flair, remain in the mix, but Liverpool’s proactive scouting and strategic planning give them the edge.
In related news, Salah’s international commitments will keep him sidelined from Liverpool duties for now. The forward netted the decisive goal as Egypt edged Ivory Coast 3-2 in the African Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday. Egypt now face Senegal in the semi-final on Wednesday, with the third-place play-off on Saturday and the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18.
As the transfer window heats up, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if Barcola becomes the heir apparent to Salah’s throne. This £100m pursuit could define the Reds’ attacking future. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.