– PSG has lowered the price – now the redshirts can hijack both PSG stars
Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Bradley Barcola with a new giant bid worth €135 million (£115 million), according to French outlet Foot01. Now they can secure both the Frenchman and teammate Ibrahim Mbaye – in what could be one of the most spectacular double purchases of the summer.
Liverpool start the Premier League season away to Newcastle on Saturday.
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PSG originally planned to keep Barcola, but the 23-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave to get permanent starting spots. The reigning Champions League champions have already brought in Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche in preparation for a likely sale.
Arsenal admire Barcola, but Liverpool are leading the chase. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Reds have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old.
From 145 to 125 – now with a new bid
After direct negotiations with PSG, Liverpool opened the £100 million bidding. PSG responded by demanding a staggering 145 million.
On Saturday, the news came that the French have softened up and are willing to sell for £125 million.
Now, Liverpool have taken another step by making a new bid of €135 million – equivalent to £115 million. According to Foot01, the offer was not immediately rejected by PSG, who are still considering it.
Liverpool believe they can pressure PSG into accepting a deal at an even lower price – by betting on Barcola himself wanting to leave Paris and go to Anfield.
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If Liverpool end up paying £125m for Barcola, it will match both the club’s and the Premier League’s transfer record – set by Alexander Isak when he arrived from Newcastle last summer for just £125m.
Double signing from PSG?
Liverpool are also in the process of securing Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old who can play on the right wing. According to reports from Monday, Mbaye has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool – just like Barcola.
PSG initially put a price tag on Mbaye at £43-50 million, but Liverpool are optimistic about signing him for close to £30 million.
Both players were left out of the PSG squad for the Trophée des Champions loss to Lens on Sunday – a clear sign that they are on their way out.
Enrique’s icy answer
Before the game, PSG manager Luis Enrique was asked about Barcola and Mbaye. The answer spoke for itself:
“We are a young and very ambitious team. It’s important for us to make changes and look for players who like to play our way – and who love to play for PSG. When a player doesn’t want to come here, or doesn’t smile at being here, it’s better to find other solutions.
What now?
In other words, Liverpool could sign both Barcola and Mbaye in the near future. With Barcola on the left and Mbaye on the right, Andoni Iraola gets a whole new attacking weapon – and Liverpool fans could soon have two of Europe’s most exciting wingers in red.
