Bradley Barcola has told Paris Saint-Germain he has no intention of signing a new contract, but the France winger will not force a move this summer — a stance that complicates Liverpool's efforts to sign him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The 23-year-old rejected PSG's latest offer of fresh contract talks, according to Le Parisien, which reported that Barcola "will not force a move" from the club he has called home for the past three years. It is not even clear if he has his heart set on leaving this summer, only that he is not interested in extending his current terms.
“PSG forward Bradley Barcola has rejected a new contract but will not force a move, frustrating Liverpool's hopes of signing him as Mohamed Salah's replacement.”
Liverpool have been heavily invested in sourcing a successor to Salah, who departed Anfield ahead of schedule this summer. Victor Munoz's £34million arrival from Osasuna has helped replenish the ranks, but more business is widely expected. However, Barcola's refusal to push for an exit may make him even more difficult to recruit.
There is also less welcome news on the transfer front: one of this summer's fresh signings has been told he cannot play this season, though the player was not named. The development adds to the challenges facing Andoni Iraola during his first summer window as Liverpool manager, as the Reds continue their pre-season tour of the United States.
Barcola has already turned down an approach from Chelsea earlier this summer, possibly hinting that he has a specific destination in mind. Whether that destination is Anfield remains unclear, but Liverpool can only commend his resolve — too often players simply down tools to force a transfer. For now, the saga continues.