Liverpool have officially signed France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth an initial £106m, with the fee potentially rising to £123m through performance-related bonuses. The 23-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the Reds and becomes the second-most expensive player in the club’s history.
Only Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for £125m last summer, has commanded a higher transfer fee. Barcola’s arrival significantly strengthens Liverpool’s attacking options and gives manager Andoni Iraola one of European football’s most highly regarded young forwards.
The transfer concludes a long-running pursuit by Liverpool, with Barcola understood to have made Anfield his preferred destination. The France international rejected the possibility of exploring other options during the summer as he sought to leave Paris Saint-Germain in search of more regular first-team football.
Why Barcola decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain
Barcola played an important part in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent success, but competition for places in the club’s forward line made it increasingly difficult for him to secure a consistent starting role.
He featured 49 times during the previous season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. Barcola also made eight appearances for France at the World Cup, scoring three goals.
During his time with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola won the French league title and the UEFA Champions League on two consecutive occasions. He will now begin a new chapter in the Premier League, having decided that a move to England offered him a better opportunity to play regularly.
Barcola will wear number 29 at Liverpool and said he was delighted to have completed the move.
“It is a great honour to play for Liverpool. I am very happy,” he told the club’s official website.
“It took a long time, but I am very happy today to play for Liverpool, and all I want is to be on the pitch and play in the matches,” he added.
Barcola also identified winning the Premier League as his main ambition with the club.
“I hope to achieve great things, first of all winning the Premier League, as it is one of my biggest dreams in life,” he said.
“I aspire to achieve that and stay in this team for the long term, which is why I signed a long-term contract. I hope I can do that,” he added.
The Frenchman becomes Liverpool’s third permanent signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet. Ronald Araujo has also joined from Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Liverpool are not expected to make further additions to their first-team squad before the transfer window closes, unless there is an unexpected departure. Manchester City are interested in signing Cody Gakpo, who occupies the left-wing position preferred by Barcola, and a move involving the Netherlands international could alter Liverpool’s plans before the deadline.
