Football · Live Wire
Liverpool complete Bradley Barcola deal worth up to £123m
The France forward joins from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract, becoming Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing.
Lead
Liverpool have completed the signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, finalising a deal worth up to £123 million on 31 August, the final day of the summer transfer window. Source Source Source
The 23-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, will wear Liverpool’s number 29 shirt and becomes the club’s second-most expensive signing behind Alexander Isak. Source Source Source
What happened
The agreement is structured as an initial £106 million payment with up to £17 million in add-ons, taking its maximum value to £123 million. Source Source Source
The fee also includes a solidarity payment to Lyon, Barcola’s former club before his 2023 move to PSG. Source
Barcola passed his medical before completing the transfer on deadline day, with reports stating that Liverpool was the only destination he wanted to consider. Source Source Source
He joins after three seasons at PSG, where he made 152 appearances, scored 39 goals and registered 35 assists. Source Source
Last season, Barcola produced 13 goals and seven assists in 49 matches across all competitions for PSG. Source
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Barcola said: "It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play." Source Source
He added: "I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League - it's one of my biggest dreams in my life." Source Source
Barcola is Liverpool’s fifth new arrival of the summer, following Victor Munoz, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Source
Why it matters
The transfer gives manager Andoni Iraola additional attacking depth at a time when Liverpool’s forward options have been affected by the departures of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz in recent summers and Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury. Source Source Source
Barcola’s preferred position is on the left wing, although he can operate across the forward line. Source
At a potential £123 million, the deal sits just below the £125 million paid for Isak in Liverpool’s all-time transfer spending. Source Source
Liverpool’s early Premier League results add context to the arrival, with the side 13th after taking two points from two matches while scoring and conceding four goals. Source
Those two league fixtures both finished 2–2: away to Newcastle and at home to Nottingham Forest. Source
What’s next
Liverpool’s next match is a Premier League trip to Ipswich on 4 September. Source
Iraola’s side then host Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League league-phase fixture on 9 September before welcoming Fulham in the Premier League on 12 September. Source
Notes
The reported £123 million valuation is the deal’s potential maximum, with £17 million of that figure dependent on add-ons rather than included in the initial £106 million payment. Source Source Source
Liverpool have confirmed Barcola’s contract length and shirt number, while his immediate role within the side will be shaped by the forthcoming fixtures and Iraola’s selection. Source Source
Key facts
5 data pointsSources used in this piece
7 sources