Liverpool Suffer Blow in the Race to Sign 22-year-old Forward – Report | OneFootball

Bradley Barcola Off Limits as PSG Shuts Down Transfer Hopes

Liverpool’s interest in Bradley Barcola was never going to go unnoticed. A dynamic, technically gifted forward with elite-level potential, Barcola has turned heads across Europe following a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain. According to a detailed report from Foot Mercato, the 22-year-old has attracted attention from both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who viewed him as a potential starter for their attacking lines.

Yet the message from Paris could not be clearer: Barcola is not for sale. As Foot Mercato confirm, “PSG isn’t selling, and the player won’t be leaving this summer.” Despite Kylian Mbappé’s departure and the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Barcola is still central to Luis Enrique’s long-term vision.

PSG’s firm stance is no bluff. The club invested €50 million to sign him from Lyon in the final stages of the 2023 window, and in just one season he’s become one of Ligue 1’s brightest lights. Barcola’s return of 21 goals and 19 assists in 58 appearances underlines his rapid development, especially when considering his inconsistent patches throughout the campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

Player and Club Aligned in Ambition

What makes this more frustrating for suitors is that Barcola himself is not angling for a move. “The player is also keen to continue the Parisian adventure,” wrote Foot Mercato. This sentiment kills any possibility of a transfer dead in the water, despite the significant interest from two of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

For Liverpool, this feels like familiar territory. Under Arne Slot, fresh from delivering the Premier League title in his debut season, the club are seeking to evolve their attack with smart, high-upside additions. Barcola’s creativity, ability to cut inside, and clinical edge would have been a natural fit alongside Mohamed Salah or Cody Gakpo.

But as it stands, the Reds must move on. As one PSG source put it: “He is an integral part of Luis Enrique’s plan.”

Photo: IMAGO

Statistical Breakout Draws European Eyes

Barcola’s breakout campaign deserves the praise it is now attracting. In a season where many young players shrink under the lights of the Parc des Princes, Barcola shone. His directness, balance and spatial intelligence consistently provided PSG with attacking thrust, even when the team wasn’t functioning at full capacity.

His Champions League run was further validation. As Foot Mercato noted, “Bradley Barcola could have scored a fabulous goal, in front of everyone, in the last Champions League final against Inter Milan.” Had he done so, his stock might have skyrocketed further — yet his numbers alone place him in the conversation with Europe’s top young attackers.

Transfer Window Reality Check for Liverpool

This development is a reminder that even reigning champions like Liverpool cannot always land their primary targets. The club’s recruitment model thrives on identifying talents before they reach superstar status. In Barcola’s case, that moment may have already passed.

Slot’s challenge now is to pivot. With Salah edging toward the twilight of his Anfield career and Luis Díaz linked to a potential exit, the need for another game-changing forward remains pressing. Barcola ticked almost every box, but some doors, it seems, remain firmly closed.