Liverpool are not expected to pursue a summer deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, MailOnline journalist Lewis Steele has reported.
The reigning Premier League champions were linked with a move for the 22-year-old in recent weeks but are not preparing to pursue Barcola amid the emergence of Rio Ngumoha.
The Reds have significant faith in the 16-year-old forward, who was named on the bench for their 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday, and are not looking to make a big-money signing in his position that could potentially hinder Ngumoha’s progress.
While Arne Slot’s side are admirers of Barcola, a move this summer is also unlikely to come to fruition considering PSG’s demands – the Champions League winners are reportedly looking to get around £100m for the France international.
Liverpool Unlikely to Move for Barcola
Barcola, who joined PSG from Lyon in the summer of 2023, made 64 appearances for Luis Enrique’s side last season, scoring 21 goals and providing 21 assists.
The Frenchman saw his playing time decrease slightly following the January arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has since become Enrique’s first-choice option on the left wing.
Barcola made only two starts for PSG at the Club World Cup in the United States but was named in the first XI for their UEFA Super Cup win over Tottenham on Wednesday.
Liverpool have splashed out heavily on new signings this summer, including a club-record £116m on former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The Germany international became the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever and joined the Reds alongside former Bayer teammate Jeremie Frimpong.
A deal was also struck for ex-Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez and striker Hugo Ekitike, who started the season strongly by scoring in each of his two appearances.
The Reds have welcomed promising defender Giovanni Leoni as their latest signing this week on a long-term contract and remain interested in bolstering their centre-back options further.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are still keen on a late move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.