Barcola after Wirtz: Liverpool eyes signing PSG star for a huge price tag

Liverpool's commitment to a transformative summer under new manager Arne Slot appears undiminished, with reports suggesting a serious pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's dynamic attacker, Bradley Barcola. The 22-year-old Frenchman enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign, contributing 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in Ligue 1. Despite this impressive output, competition for attacking places at PSG could lead Barcola to seek a new challenge.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool is prepared to battle European giants Bayern Munich for Barcola's signature, with a potential transfer fee estimated around £100 million. This move signals Liverpool's clear intent to rejuvenate their attacking options, especially following previous reports by David Ornstein of The Athletic that the club is already closing in on a record-breaking deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.

The prospect of pairing Barcola with Wirtz in a reimagined Liverpool attack is particularly intriguing. Barcola's pace, intelligence, and technical prowess could offer a distinct dynamic on the left flank. Caught Offside suggests that Barcola, valued at £100 million, might be a more "realistic" target than Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who is reportedly valued around £150 million, representing significant value in what promises to be a summer of marquee deals.

'Slot-style player'

Statistical comparisons, shared via DataMB, highlight Barcola's efficiency and creativity, showing him outranking current Liverpool wide forwards like Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in key metrics such as assists, key passes, and ball carries. This analysis raises questions about Slot's strategic vision, particularly as Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a potential move to Barcelona. An Anfield source suggested that "If Diaz were to leave, Barcola could represent a natural successor," given his youth, potential for development, and natural left-sided balance, all fitting the profile of a "Slot-style" player.

Caught Offside also emphasizes Barcola's long-term potential, noting that "Given that Barcola is still only 22, he could end up being a better player in the long term," which aligns with Liverpool's strategy to future-proof their squad after winning the Premier League title in May.

Under Slot's guidance, Liverpool's tactical system is expected to feature fluid front-threes, high pressing, and intricate positional interchanges. Barcola's ability to stretch defenses, carry the ball at pace, and contribute significantly from wide areas aligns perfectly with this philosophy. The reports indicate that Liverpool's decision-makers are prepared to "spend big on even more signings" even after Wirtz's likely arrival, underscoring Fenway Sports Group's confidence in Slot and the club's readiness to compete with Europe's top spenders once again. Liverpool fans are undoubtedly excited by the prospect of this ambitious attacking overhaul under Arne Slot.