Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Aug 29: Liverpool have agreed a deal worth up to £123 million for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, according to reports, as the Premier League club look to strengthen their attack following the departures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
According to a BBC report, Liverpool have agreed an initial £106 million fee for the French international, with a further £17 million potentially payable in add-ons. The overall package of £123 million would represent a record transfer fee for a player leaving the French top flight.
PSG had initially valued Barcola at around £145 million, but the reported £123 million agreement would still represent a significant fee for the French champions.
Barcola joined PSG in 2023 and has since won the Champions League twice, Ligue 1 three times and the French Cup twice. He also featured for France at the recent FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals as the team reached the semi-finals.
The 23-year-old has seen his playing time reduced at PSG, with the club increasingly relying on Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He is also entering the final two years of his contract and is reportedly not keen on extending his stay.
For Liverpool, Barcola's arrival would provide a major boost to their attacking options. Diaz has moved to German giants Bayern Munich, while Salah's nine-year spell at Anfield ended with his move to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.
Barcola could provide cover for Alexander Isak while adding pace and attacking threat to Liverpool's forward line.
However, the potential deal has also raised questions over Cody Gakpo's future at Anfield. BBC reported that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have shown interest in the Netherlands international.
Gakpo was named in Liverpool's squad for their 2-2 draw against Newcastle and was also included for Saturday's home clash against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he "cannot guarantee anything" regarding Gakpo's future but expressed his desire to retain the forward.
"[Gakpo] has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and his holiday, with a very good attitude. I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential in our games," Iraola said.
Apart from Barcola, Liverpool are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr and Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh.