Liverpool are in talks with rivals over Cody Gakpo

Liverpool are in talks with the management of Bradley Barcola and Paris Saint-Germain, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Deutschland has said on X. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the PSG forward does not want to extend his contract at PSG, and Liverpool sense an opportunity.

According to Plettenberg, Barcola is Liverpool's top target in the summer transfer window. The club of manager Andoni Iraola want to sign the winger before Deadline Day, which in England falls on 1 September.

Still, Plettenberg stresses that a deal for Barcola would be complicated for Liverpool. Much will depend on the financial side. According to Transfermarkt, the PSG player is worth €90 million. 

Last season, however, the 23-year-old left winger was not an undisputed starter under coach Luis Enrique. In PSG's biggest matches, Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia got the nod out wide.

That is why Barcola had already been heavily linked with a transfer, and the fact his contract runs until mid-2028 did little to calm the rumours over his future in Paris. Now that Barcola has decided not to extend his contract, journalist Ben Jacobs says it stands to reason that PSG will try to sell him.

Meanwhile, various English media outlets claim PSG are asking for the equivalent of more than €160 million for Barcola. The forward would be open to a top transfer to Liverpool.

As a left-footed winger, Barcola would become a rival for Cody Gakpo if he completes a move. The Netherlands international remains a Liverpool player for the time being, although there are rumours he will leave this summer.