Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in Bradley Barcola as a potential summer signing, and PSG boss Luis Enrique looks to have just dropped a cryptic hint over his future
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has insisted he owes no explanation for his decision to substitute Bradley Barcola at half-time of the Champions League finalists’ Ligue 1 title victory at Lens.
Barcola was withdrawn at the break, with L’Equipe subsequently awarding him a rating of three in their PSG player assessments. Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely, with considerable uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman’s long-term future at the Parc des Princes.
When pressed on his decision to haul off Barcola, Enrique responded after the final whistle: “What I can say here is that I can’t say anything. I have no important information for you and you must think what you think. I don’t have to explain anything. But it’s very clear.”
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Salah return, Slot addresses future, Diomande admissionREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah’s farewell party
PSG is understood to be engaged in contract negotiations with Barcola’s representatives, though discussions are expected to gather pace at the conclusion of the campaign, reports Football London.
Should both parties fail to reach a resolution, there is a genuine possibility he could seek pastures new, having struggled to command a regular starting berth at the club this season.
Speaking previously in March, Barcola made his intentions abundantly clear when quizzed about his prospects: “I’m not focused on this, it’s my agent working on the contract. But I am so happy at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Bradley Barcola in action for PSG against Lens
PSG is additionally seeking to strengthen its attacking options, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande amongst its targets. Liverpool is also targeting Diomande, but should PSG make its move for the Ivory Coast international, it could pave the way for the Reds to pursue Barcola.
The 23-year-old is currently battling to cement his place in PSG’s starting line-up ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal.
Yet he has failed to start a single Champions League knockout fixture since netting against Chelsea in the last-16 second leg.
Get LFC’s 2025/26 season home and away kits
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool’s home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
PSG clinched the title on Wednesday with a game to spare, following a commanding 2-0 triumph away at second-placed Lens.
The fact that young forward Ibrahim Mbaye swiftly scored from the bench did little to boost Barcola’s standing, with his display leaving manager Enrique underwhelmed.
The French heavyweights were also without several prominent figures, with Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Achraf Hakimi, Warren Zaire-Emery, Lucas Chevalier and Lee Kang-in all sidelined through injury.
