Bradley Barcola’s Liverpool transfer saga has taken another significant turn after PSG left the French winger completely out of their squad for the Trophée des Champions. The 23-year-old has reportedly given Liverpool his approval in principle, while negotiations with PSG continue.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has received another major boost after Paris Saint-Germain left the France international completely out of their squad for the Trophée des Champions.
Barcola was not included in PSG’s 20-man matchday group for the clash with Lens, forcing the winger to watch from the stands as speculation over his future continues to intensify.
The development comes only days after Barcola remained an unused substitute during PSG’s UEFA Super Cup meeting with Aston Villa.
Now the situation has moved one step further.
From being on the bench but not playing, Barcola has been left out of the squad entirely.
With Liverpool continuing to pursue the 23-year-old, the timing has inevitably fueled expectations that a transfer could be moving closer.
Barcola left out of PSG squad completely
The biggest development in the last 24 hours concerns Barcola’s role at PSG.
French outlet L’Équipe confirmed that both Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye were left out of PSG’s 20-player squad for the Trophée des Champions against Lens.
Both players watched the match from the stands.
Barcola’s absence immediately attracted attention because of Liverpool’s ongoing interest.
The French winger had already experienced a frustrating UEFA Super Cup.
He was named among PSG’s substitutes against Aston Villa but did not enter the game.
Now he has disappeared from the matchday squad completely.
That does not officially mean PSG have decided to sell him.
However, it represents another significant development while his future remains unresolved.
Liverpool remain firmly interested in Barcola
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola has developed into one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
The Premier League club have been in contact regarding a potential deal and view the French winger as an elite attacking option.
L’Équipe previously reported that Barcola had spoken with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and had given his approval in principle to the idea of moving to Anfield.
That is a crucial part of the situation.
Liverpool are not simply trying to convince PSG to sell.
They also appear to have a player who is open to making the move.
There is still no official contract agreement between Barcola and Liverpool, but his preference gives the Reds a significant advantage if PSG eventually decide to negotiate seriously.
Liverpool prepared a huge offer
The main obstacle throughout the saga has been money.
PSG have placed an enormous value on Barcola, reflecting his age, quality and contract situation.
Previous reporting from L’Équipe indicated that Liverpool were preparing an offer worth approximately €115 million.
PSG, however, were looking for a significantly larger package.
At one stage, the French champions were reportedly demanding more than €150 million including bonuses.
That valuation created a major gap between the two clubs.
Liverpool may be willing to make Barcola one of the most expensive signings in their history.
But there is clearly a limit to how far they will go.
PSG could be lowering Barcola’s asking price
There has been another potentially important development in negotiations.
Recent reports suggested PSG could now be prepared to reduce their valuation of Barcola.
talkSPORT reported that the French club may have lowered their asking price from around £145 million to approximately £125 million.
That would still represent an enormous transfer fee.
But it would bring PSG’s position closer to the level Liverpool have been considering.
Barcola is also reportedly unwilling to extend his current PSG contract, which runs until 2028.
If that position remains unchanged, PSG may eventually face a decision.
They can continue demanding an extraordinary fee now, or risk allowing Barcola’s contract situation to become increasingly difficult in future windows.
Being left out does not confirm a transfer
Despite the growing excitement around Liverpool, an important distinction remains.
There is no confirmation that Barcola was left out of PSG’s squad specifically because he is about to join Liverpool.
PSG have not publicly stated that the decision was transfer-related.
L’Équipe reported the winger’s absence while also noting that his situation could still evolve before the transfer window closes.
Therefore, headlines claiming that Barcola has been removed from the squad because a Liverpool deal is complete would go beyond the information currently available.
What can be said with confidence is that his sporting situation has changed at a very interesting moment.
He was an unused substitute.
Now he is outside the squad.
And Liverpool remain interested.
Why Liverpool want Barcola
It is easy to understand why Liverpool are prepared to invest heavily in the France international.
Barcola provides speed, one-on-one ability and versatility across the attacking line.
He is particularly dangerous when attacking space from the left side but can also operate in different forward positions.
At 23, he also fits the profile of a player who can contribute immediately while still having significant room to improve.
Liverpool have been reshaping their attack and want another elite wide option capable of becoming a major part of their long-term project.
Barcola has emerged as one of the most ambitious possibilities available.
Barcola reportedly prefers Liverpool
Another reason the transfer remains alive is the player’s position.
Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola during the summer.
However, Liverpool appear to have an important advantage.
L’Équipe previously reported that the winger gave his agreement in principle to the idea of joining Liverpool following discussions with Iraola.
That does not mean a transfer is guaranteed.
PSG still control the negotiation because Barcola remains under contract until 2028.
But if the French champions decide to sell, the player’s reported preference could become decisive.
PSG face a difficult decision
PSG are in a strong negotiating position.
Barcola still has two years remaining on his contract and remains one of the most talented young attackers in European football.
The French champions therefore have no reason to accept a low offer.
But the situation becomes more complicated if Barcola continues to resist discussions over a contract extension.
Allowing the winger to move closer to the final year of his deal would gradually reduce PSG’s negotiating power.
A massive offer from Liverpool this summer could therefore force the club to consider whether this is the best moment to sell.
The decision becomes even more interesting when Barcola is no longer being used regularly in major matches.
Two matches have changed the mood around the transfer
Only a short time ago, Barcola remained part of PSG’s competitive squad.
Then came the UEFA Super Cup.
Barcola started on the bench.
He remained there for the entire match.
Then came the Trophée des Champions.
This time he was not even on the bench.
He watched from the stands.
That progression has naturally encouraged Liverpool supporters who are following the transfer closely.
It does not confirm a deal.
But it certainly does not reduce speculation either.
No agreement between Liverpool and PSG yet
The transfer still has a major hurdle to clear.
Liverpool and PSG have not yet reached an agreement for Barcola.
There has been no official announcement of a bid being accepted.
There has been no medical scheduled publicly.
And there is no confirmation that documents are being exchanged.
The current stage should therefore still be described as an active transfer pursuit rather than a completed deal.
Liverpool are interested.
Barcola is reportedly open to joining.
PSG’s valuation may be softening.
And the winger has now been left out of a major matchday squad.
But the clubs still need to agree the price.
Barcola saga enters a crucial stage
The transfer has not reached the finish line yet.
But the situation around Barcola has changed noticeably.
A few days ago, he was sitting on PSG’s bench.
Now he has been left out of the squad completely.
Liverpool remain in pursuit.
The player has reportedly given the move his approval in principle.
And PSG may be reconsidering an asking price that previously made an agreement extremely difficult.
There is still no deal between Liverpool and PSG.
But Barcola being left in the stands while transfer talks continue represents another significant boost for the Reds.
The next bid could determine whether this becomes one of the biggest transfers of the summer or another blockbuster deal that never makes it across the line.
