Liverpool have confirmed the signing of forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Sources told ESPN that Andoni Iraola‘s side will pay a guaranteed £106 million for the France international, with the potential for an additional £17m in performance-based add-ons.
He signed a five-year deal at Anfield and will become the second-most-expensive signing in the club’s history following the £125m addition of striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United last summer.
Read more:Liverpool ‘will definitely sign some players’ – Andoni Iraola
Barcola has been a long-term target for Liverpool and sources told ESPN the player was unwilling to consider alternative destinations this summer as he sought a move away from PSG. The 23-year-old has been an integral part of the Parisians’ success in recent years, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.
However, competition for game time prompted Barcola to pursue a new opportunity, with the forward becoming Liverpool’s third permanent signing of the summer following the additions of Víctor Muñoz and Jérémy Jacquet. Defender Ronald Araújo has also joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Sources told ESPN Liverpool are unlikely to make any further first-team additions this summer unless there are late departures before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Manchester City have made an approach for forward Cody Gakpo — who primarily plays in Barcola’s preferred left-sided position — however the Reds would have to find a suitable replacement before sanctioning his exit.
Last season, Barcola made 49 appearances for PSG, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists for Luis Enrique’s side. He also played eight games for France at this summer’s World Cup, scoring three times.
Barcola will wear the No. 29 shirt and told the club’s official website: “It’s a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool. I’m very happy.
“It took a long time but I’m really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play.
Read more:Liverpool reignite Bradley Barcola talks with PSG – sources
“I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League — it’s one of my biggest dreams in my life.
“It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term — that’s why I signed a long contract — and I hope I can do it.”
