Liverpool's Second-Most Expensive Signing Sealed: £123m for French Forward

Premier League giants Liverpool officially announced today that 23-year-old French forward Bradley Barcola has joined from Paris Saint-Germain. According to multiple foreign media reports, the fixed transfer fee is £106 million (approximately $144 million), with performance-related add-ons worth up to £17 million (approximately $23 million). Barcola has signed a five-year contract at Anfield. The total cost of £123 million ranks second in Liverpool's transfer history, behind only the £125 million paid to Newcastle United for striker Alexander Isak last summer.

In fact, Barcola had long been on Liverpool's radar. Foreign media sources noted that when the France international decided to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, he never considered any other offers. As a key part of Paris Saint-Germain's recent glory, Barcola helped the club win consecutive Ligue 1 titles and the Champions League. However, with increasingly fierce competition in the forward line, his playing time was significantly reduced, prompting him to seek a new challenge. His arrival makes Liverpool's third permanent signing of the summer, following Victor Muñoz and Jérémy Jacquet. Meanwhile, Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araújo has also joined the Reds on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

Foreign media sources also revealed that unless there is an unexpected departure before Tuesday's summer transfer deadline, Liverpool are not expected to add further to their first-team squad. Manchester City are currently in contact over a move for Cody Gakpo, whose preferred left-wing position is also Barcola's favoured area. But the Reds' stance is clear: they will not let Gakpo leave without finding a suitable replacement.

Last season, Barcola made 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, producing an impressive return of 13 goals and 7 assists, providing ample firepower for Luis Enrique's side. At the recently concluded Summer World Cup, he also made eight appearances for France, scoring three goals.

After joining, Barcola will wear Liverpool's No. 29 shirt. In an interview with the club's official website, he struggled to contain his excitement: "It is a huge honour to play for Liverpool, I am so happy. Although the transfer process was long, I am extremely excited today and just want to get on the pitch and play. I want to achieve great things here, and the first goal is to win the Premier League title - one of the biggest dreams of my life. To achieve that and play for this club for a long time - that is why I signed a long-term contract - I believe I can do it."

- Related: Liverpool close to signing Luca Brugmans for £30m

- 2026 Premier League summer transfer window: Confirmed departures and arrivals for all clubs

- Deadline day preview: What's the latest on Balogun, Enzo and Álvarez?