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Liverpool seem to have shifted their focus towards Bradley Barcola as their major attacking transfer target for the summer, after reportedly missing out on Yan Diomande.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has become a ‘serious target’ for the Merseyside club and is now positioned at the ‘top’ of their shortlist. However, convincing the reigning Champions League holders to part ways with him could prove to be an extremely costly affair.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Luis Enrique’s team value the 23-year-old at a ‘much higher price’ than the £116 million Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson. This gives a clear indication of the kind of financial commitment Liverpool would need to make to secure the French international’s signature.

It raises the question: will Liverpool be willing to take a bold gamble like high-stakes casino players in hopes of massive rewards by signing Barcola this summer?

Firstly, the Reds desperately require a marquee winger to fill the void left by club legend Mo Salah. While the Frenchman primarily operates on the left flank, he also possesses the versatility to play on the right, which could make him an ideal replacement for the departing Egyptian star.

Barcola already boasts considerable top-level experience with both PSG and the French national team, having won the Champions League twice. At just 23 years old, he is still a few seasons away from hitting his peak, meaning he could serve as a long-term investment while already performing at an elite level.

His tally of 13 goals in 49 appearances last season may not appear extraordinary at first glance, but it’s important to note that he wasn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique. Moreover, his scoring record for the 2025/26 campaign surpasses that of several Liverpool forwards, as shown in comparison charts.

Then comes the sticking point — his valuation. Over £116 million? That’s a massive figure to consider.

Last summer, Liverpool crossed the £100 million mark twice, signing Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. While both have demonstrated flashes of brilliance, neither enjoyed a debut season that lived up to the hype at Anfield.

Such a hefty transfer fee should ideally guarantee game-changing performances. Barcola is undoubtedly talented, but he may not yet belong to the elite echelon that justifies such an enormous outlay.

When analysing his underlying numbers from last season’s Champions League campaign — a competition that truly measures a player’s quality against Europe’s best — Barcola’s metrics fell below average in several key categories, including duels and ball recoveries, according to data from Fotmob.

Under Andoni Iraola, every player is required to press aggressively and contribute defensively when out of possession. The question remains: can Barcola adapt to that relentless system?

There’s no denying that the PSG attacker would be an exciting addition to Liverpool’s starting XI, addressing a pressing need within the squad. However, the club might have to stretch their budget significantly to make the transfer happen.

Ultimately, the decision will rest with FSG and whether they believe the 23-year-old represents a sound investment when weighing his potential output against the likely transfer cost.