Liverpool decide the player they must sell to fund Bradley Barcola transfer in ruthless move

Liverpool are reportedly willing to let a key player leave to land the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.

Despite interest from Arsenal, Liverpool appear to be favourites to sign the PSG and France star during the summer transfer window, although the Reds may need to smash their transfer record, as the Ligue 1 side want £145 million before they green-light a sale.

The Merseyside club have reportedly held talks with PSG over the sale of Barcola as they look to replace Mohamed Salah on the flank.

Barcola is open to the move and has given Liverpool priority while the Reds await further details on the price and salary.

The 23-year-old, who scored three times in eight appearances at the recent World Cup, joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 and has since registered 39 goals and 37 assists in 152 appearances, helping Luis Enrique’s side win three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France trophies and back-to-back Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.

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However, Barcola has not been a guaranteed starter, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué often preferred on the flanks.

Bradley Barcola transfer could spark Liverpool exit domino effect

Barcola’s proposed arrival will likely see a current Liverpool star leave and, despite Federico Chiesa being heavily linked with an exit, it appears he may remain at Anfield as he strives to write a “new chapter” under new boss Andoni Iraola.

“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” he said after scoring in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly victory over Sunderland in Nashville on Sunday (July 26).

“Maybe there have been too many fresh starts [for me]. But I don’t care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager.

“Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course, I wanted to play more, but it is what it is. The gaffer had his game plans, he made his decisions and I have nothing to say about that. It is football. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”

However, Cody Gakpo could be pushed towards a departure, with Onze Mondial, as relayed by Get French Football News, claiming the Netherlands international may leave despite signing a contract extension through to 2030 last summer.

Spurs are among several teams keeping tabs on the 27-year-old, who registered seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances under Arne Slot last season.

It remains unclear whether Gakpo would be willing to leave Liverpool, with four seasons remaining on his contract.

The 27-year-old is reportedly valued at around £60-70 million by Liverpool.