Liverpool have reached an in-principle agreement with Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola for a deal worth $163 million after a breakthrough in talks arrived overnight. Barcola has been on the radar of Liverpool throughout the summer campaign, and the final details are being worked out, per The Athletic. The agreed-upon deal package is $163 million in total, of which over $116 million is guaranteed, the outlet added.
The talks are being handled by sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group boss Mike Gordon, with the last-minute touches finalized until Thursday morning, August 27. Barcola was instrumental in PSG's Ligue 1 and Champions League triumphs last season. He has two years left on his contract and is reportedly keen to be signed with the Reds.
Although the deal reached in principle is far less than the initially rumoured slab of $169 million floated by PSG, the potential transfer could put Cody Gakpo's future at Anfield in doubt with details yet to be inked. Gakpo has on multiple occasions been linked to Tottenham Hotspur and has been on Manchester City's radar this summer.
With the reportedly whopping $163 million deal if materialised, it would make the 23-year-old forward the second most expensive buy in Liverpool's history. The deal would follow the $145.5 million signing of striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United during the summer window.