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Bradley Barcola set to sign Ksh21B deal with Liverpool
29th August, 2026 12:01 PM
Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after reaching an agreement with the French champions over the final structure of the transfer.
The Reds had initially reached an agreement in principle earlier this week for a deal worth £120 million, equivalent to approximately Ksh21.10 billion.
Under the latest arrangement, Liverpool are expected to pay £106 million (about Ksh18.64 billion) immediately, while a further £17 million (approximately Ksh2.99 billion) could be triggered through performance-related add-ons. That would take the overall value of the transfer to £123 million, or roughly Ksh21.63 billion.
Barcola is now expected to put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2031.
The clubs still have to complete the formal paperwork before the transfer can be officially confirmed. Barcola is also expected to undergo his medical examination this weekend.
The agreement represents a significant reduction from PSG’s earlier valuation of the France international. During the summer, the Ligue 1 club had reportedly been seeking around £145 million (Ksh25.50 billion) for the 23-year-old.
Barcola set to become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing
Despite the initial difference in valuation, negotiations have now resulted in a compromise that should see Barcola make the move to the Premier League.
If completed, the transfer will make Barcola the second-costliest player Liverpool have ever purchased.
Only Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle United last summer, reportedly worth £125 million (approximately Ksh21.98 billion), will rank above him.
Barcola’s arrival could also have consequences for Cody Gakpo’s future. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are both understood to be monitoring the Netherlands international, potentially opening the door for him to leave Anfield.
Liverpool are not finished with their attacking recruitment either. The club are still looking for another winger after negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh proved difficult.
Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr has subsequently emerged as another option being considered by Liverpool.
Questions over whether Barcola is the ideal Salah successor
Liverpool’s decision to pursue Barcola appears to indicate that the club view the Frenchman as part of their long-term plan following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Although Barcola generally operates from the left rather than Salah’s familiar right-sided position, Liverpool appear to believe that his pace, creativity and attacking output can help fill the void created by the Egyptian superstar.
There are, however, questions over whether Barcola’s natural position matches Liverpool’s most pressing needs.
Salah’s role changed significantly last season following the arrival of two recognised central forwards, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Previously, when Roberto Firmino occupied the central role, Salah was often the main beneficiary of Liverpool’s attacking combinations. Firmino’s game was more focused on creating opportunities than finishing them himself.
The arrival of Ekitike and Isak changed that dynamic, with Salah increasingly contributing as a creator rather than being the team’s primary goalscorer.
Although he registered 10 assists, he provided only one for Ekitike and none for Isak.
Barcola is regarded as a player with enormous potential, but his arrival could also create another layer of competition for attacking roles alongside Ekitike and Isak
