Liverpool have signed French striker Bradley Barcola to a long-term contract from European champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Premier League club announced on Monday, August 31, making him the latest star addition to their forward line. The astronomical sum of the transaction is estimated to be around £120 million, making Barcola the most expensive player to leave the French league.
First modification: 08/31/2026 - 20:27
On Monday, August 31, Liverpool closed the most expensive signing of the summer transfer window by incorporating Bradley Barcola, from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in an operation valued at around 123 million pounds sterling (166 million dollars).
Liverpool secured their top summer target after months of negotiations for the speedy 23-year-old Frenchman, who is fresh off winning back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG, albeit primarily as an impact substitute, backing up Désiré Doué.
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Now, Barcola hopes to become a key part of Liverpool's expensive forward line, which also includes striker Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who were signed last summer for £125 million ($170 million) and £116 million ($156 million), respectively.
Barcola plays primarily as a left winger, so he is not a direct replacement for the great Mohamed Salah, who played on Liverpool's right flank for nine years before leaving for Trabzonspor to end a trophy-laden spell at Anfield.
An astronomical figure
The deal means Liverpool will pay £106 million ($143 million) for Barcola, who was part of the French team that reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup before being defeated by Spain. Additionally, the contract provides for an additional £17 million ($23 million) in potential additional payments.
Barcola joined PSG for 45 million euros ($38.5 million) from Lyon in 2023.
The transfer amount sets a record for a player leaving the French league. Although English clubs have spent a lot of money this summer on signings, this is the most expensive of all.
The largest transfer so far was that of Morgan Rogers, who left Aston Villa to go to Chelsea for 156 million dollars. He is followed by Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for $155 million, and Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham for $133 million from Newcastle.
The transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.
PSG made a huge profit from the sale of Barcola, but without him, the team has struggled to destabilize its rivals' defenses, drawing its first two Ligue 1 games.
Known for his explosive speed, acceleration and ability to open up defences, Barcola was always able to create space for the two-time European champions. That quality could be missing from Luis Enrique's team this season, although wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Doué continue to provide a lot of quality on the wings.
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PSG also strengthened their attack during the summer with the signings of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, which helped compensate for the loss of depth following the departure of Barcola.
Barcola, a quick and direct winger, joins a team that has had a slow start in the Premier League, with Liverpool needing late goals to salvage draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the opening two matchdays.
Summer signing Cody Gakpo and Víctor Muñoz have played on the left wing so far this season. Gakpo has been wanted by Manchester City in the last days of the transfer market, according to the press.
Liverpool will also play in the Champions League this season.
With information from AP
This article was adapted from its original English version.
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