Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola appears to be becoming increasingly intense.
According to sources in France, Liverpool have reportedly made a firm request to Paris Saint-Germain regarding the winger ahead of their opening clash against Rennes.
The claim is that Liverpool want Barcola to remain out of the starting XI, or at most be used as an emergency substitute, while negotiations between the two clubs continue.
If accurate, it would represent a fascinating development in the transfer saga.
Liverpool don’t want anything to complicate the deal
From Liverpool’s perspective, it is understandable why they would prefer Barcola not to feature.
The Reds have reportedly been working on a deal for the French winger for much of the summer, and they clearly don’t want to see him play a competitive match while his future remains unresolved.
There’s also the obvious concern of injury.
If Liverpool are negotiating a huge transfer for Barcola, the last thing they would want is for him to suffer an injury before the deal is completed.
But there could be another reason.
Liverpool may want PSG to make a decision.
Will PSG listen?
That’s the big question.
PSG don’t have to follow Liverpool’s request.
Barcola remains their player and, unless there is an agreement between the clubs, they are entitled to select him.
Luis Enrique will ultimately decide his squad.
However, the situation becomes much more complicated if PSG already know that Barcola wants to move to Liverpool.
Why risk starting a player whose future is being negotiated?
Especially when reports have suggested that Barcola has already been left out of recent squads.
The negotiations remain the key
Liverpool’s position appears to be clear.
They want Barcola.
But they don’t want to simply pay whatever PSG demand.
Recent reports have suggested PSG are now prepared to lower their initial asking price, with Liverpool attempting to negotiate an even better deal.
That could mean the two clubs are getting closer.
But until there is an agreement, nothing is guaranteed.
Barcola could be the missing piece
It’s easy to understand why Liverpool are pushing so hard.
Liverpool need more pace and directness in attack.
Alexander Isak needs service.
Florian Wirtz needs runners around him.
And Andoni Iraola’s system requires attacking players capable of stretching opposition defences.
Barcola ticks almost every box.
His acceleration and ability to beat defenders would give Liverpool something they don’t currently have in abundance.
But Liverpool can’t control PSG
This is where things get interesting.
Liverpool can make their request.
PSG can listen.
But ultimately, Luis Enrique decides whether Barcola plays.
And if PSG believe they can still keep the winger, they may have no problem selecting him against Rennes.
Liverpool therefore have to be careful not to push too hard.
The last thing they want is for negotiations to become hostile.
This saga is getting serious
Barcola potentially being left out of PSG’s opening game would be another major indication that his future is uncertain.
If he is named on the bench, Liverpool supporters will immediately be watching to see whether he actually gets onto the pitch.
And if he’s nowhere near the squad?
That would certainly fuel speculation that a transfer could be getting closer.
But will PSG listen to Liverpool’s request?
That’s the question.
Liverpool have reportedly asked PSG to keep Barcola out, or at least use him only in an emergency.
Now we wait to see whether Paris Saint-Germain agree.
Because every minute Barcola spends on the pitch is another minute Liverpool will be nervously watching.
The negotiations continue.
And Liverpool clearly don’t want anything to get in the way of the deal.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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