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Liverpool supporters are expected to keep a close watch on France’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco on Thursday, as a potential transfer saga involving Bradley Barcola continues to unfold. The French winger could find himself moving to Anfield this summer, partly as an indirect consequence of Liverpool losing out to Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Yan Diomande.

Barcola has cast uncertainty over his future, admitting that he “doesn’t know” what will happen after the World Cup concludes. This statement indicates that the 23-year-old is open to leaving the Parc des Princes if he continues to be denied regular playing time, having already halted contract renewal talks some time ago.

This situation will undoubtedly interest Liverpool, who are actively searching for a marquee replacement for Mohamed Salah, following the Egyptian’s departure after a glittering nine-year spell at Anfield that ended in the 2025-26 season. The move to Merseyside could be the perfect opportunity for Barcola to evolve into a global superstar.

Although his career at PSG has not progressed as expected, a switch to the Premier League could reignite his development and allow him to reach his full potential.

Falling down the ranks

Nearly three years after joining PSG from Lyon, Barcola would have anticipated becoming a regular starter and a central figure in the squad — but that hasn’t materialised.

After a promising debut season with 14 goal contributions, PSG strengthened their left flank in the summer of 2024 following Kylian Mbappe’s exit, signing emerging talent Desire Doue. The club later made a blockbuster move for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025.

Despite recording an impressive 2024-25 season with 21 goals and 21 assists, Barcola often found himself benched in high-profile matches, including the Champions League final against Inter, and rarely completed full matches when starting.

That trend persisted into the 2025-26 campaign, where his output dropped significantly to 13 goals and seven assists. Manager Luis Enrique frequently rotated his squad in Ligue 1 to focus on the Champions League, and Barcola was left out of the starting lineup in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final — all part of another successful European run. He was also an unused substitute in key domestic fixtures against Lyon and Monaco during the first half of the season.

Mixed form at the World Cup

At international level, Barcola’s career with France has also been inconsistent, and his World Cup performances have reflected that inconsistency.

He started the tournament on the bench against Senegal but made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal just two minutes after being introduced. That earned him a start against Iraq, though he failed to impress and returned to the bench for the final group match against Norway.

Coming on late against Norway, Barcola delivered a precise cross that Desire Doue headed home, padding France’s winning margin. Didier Deschamps rewarded him with another start against Sweden in the round of 32, where Barcola scored a fine second-half goal, assisted by a brilliant display from Michael Olise.

He retained his place for the round of 16 match versus Paraguay but struggled to make an impact in a scrappy 1-0 win, putting his place in doubt ahead of the quarter-final against Morocco.

‘Not untouchable’

Barcola’s uncertain future at PSG has become a major talking point, with contract discussions currently on hold due to his dissatisfaction with his position in the squad. His existing contract runs until 2028.

Earlier in the summer, reports suggested PSG were unwilling to sell, valuing him significantly higher than the £116 million ($155m) Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, as per The Athletic.

However, PSG’s stance appears to have softened. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano commented on his YouTube channel: “Until last week, Barcola was untouchable; now I see him linked to several clubs. The reality is that Barcola is not untouchable. Barcola has serious possibilities to leave Paris in the summer transfer window.”

Possible transfer reshuffle

PSG’s changing position may be linked to their pursuit of one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 season. Liverpool had been leading the race to sign RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande for around €100m (£87m/$115m), but recent developments suggest the 19-year-old prefers a move to Paris, believing that working under Luis Enrique offers him the best chance to win major honours and potentially the Ballon d’Or.

Leipzig reportedly value Diomande at €130m (£111m/$148m), a fee that could force PSG to balance their finances. The club has already sold Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan and is close to finalising Lee Kang-in’s move to Atletico Madrid. If Barcola foresees reduced playing time next season, he may push for an exit.

Liverpool’s potential gain

Ironically, Liverpool might end up benefiting from missing out on Diomande. A move for Barcola could provide the Reds with a dynamic, high-calibre replacement for Salah. At Anfield, the French winger would likely become a regular starter — something he has long desired.

With new manager Andoni Iraola overseeing a rebuild of Liverpool’s attack, Barcola’s arrival would complement the signing of Victor Munoz. Iraola will also need to manage the development of teenage talent Rio Ngumoha, who turns 18 in August, but Barcola could step straight into a leading role thanks to his experience and adaptability to a fast-paced, attacking system.

Liverpool are also eager for a marquee addition to mitigate the impact of Salah’s departure, and Barcola fits that profile perfectly. Having already played at the top level in the Champions League, he would likely make an immediate impact — more so than the younger and less experienced Diomande.

‘Honestly, I don’t know’

Any remaining doubts about a potential move have been further diminished by Barcola’s own words at the World Cup. Speaking at a press conference ahead of France’s tie with Paraguay, he said: “Right now, I’m really focused on the World Cup. But regarding what happens afterward, honestly, I don’t know at the moment.”

What seems increasingly clear is that with Diomande’s potential arrival threatening his role at PSG, Barcola needs a fresh start — and a move away from Paris could be the key to unlocking the next stage of his career.