Fabrizio Romano is ‘super optimistic’ that Liverpool are closing in on their next signing

Liverpool Transfer Latest: Barcola Talks Advance as PSG and Reds Continue Daily Contact

Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola is moving into a decisive phase, with Fabrizio Romano outlining sustained contact between the clubs and a growing expectation that the story will run deep into the final days of the window. In his latest transfer discussion, Fabrizio Romano made clear that this is one of the key situations to watch, especially with the Paris Saint-Germain winger again absent from the matchday squad.

Romano said, “Don’t forget about Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye because today both players once again are not part of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the weekend.” While the discussion also touched on Ibrahim Mbaye, the strongest focus from a Liverpool perspective centred on Barcola, a player Romano described as a live file behind the scenes.

The most significant line from Romano was his confidence in Liverpool’s continued work on the deal. “Bradley Barcola has been one of the sagas of the summer,” he said, before adding, “If you are a friend of my YouTube channel, you heard Bradley Barcola to Liverpool since May and I remain still super optimistic because Liverpool are working on it.”

Barcola deal heading into crucial stage

There is a familiar pattern to elite-level negotiations late in the window, with direct dialogue, carefully managed expectations and little appetite from either side to turn every movement into a public bidding exchange. Romano’s description of Liverpool’s talks with PSG reflects exactly that sort of process.

He said, “There is a daily conversation with PSG.” That line stands out, because it points to regular engagement rather than sporadic contact. He also stressed that a quick resolution was unlikely over the weekend, saying, “I don’t expect a breakthrough over the weekend. I always told you it’s going to be a slow deal.”

That measured pace is central to understanding the current state of the Barcola negotiations. According to Romano, “We are going to be in the final days of the summer transfer window and that’s the case because it’s going to next week and so I don’t know if it’s going to be on the line day or before but the conversation is going to the very end.”

For Liverpool supporters tracking developments, the important point is that the club remain fully engaged. Romano left little room for ambiguity here, stating, “Will Liverpool absolutely absolutely on it.”

PSG talks remain verbal as structure is discussed

One of the more revealing parts of Romano’s update was the explanation of how discussions are being conducted. Rather than a public exchange of fixed bids and counter-bids, this has so far been driven by direct communication and verbal proposals.

Romano said, “I know that in terms of reporting this story is not on daily basis like I don’t know £80m offered £90m requested £100m offered £110m requested is not like this because it’s a direct club to club conversation.” He added, “PSG and Liverpool share a very good relationship and they are talking club to club.”

That context matters. It suggests a negotiation shaped less by noise and more by trying to find a formula acceptable to all parties. Romano was explicit on that point too, saying, “I can guarantee to you that Liverpool already sent proposals for Barcola and it’s been all verbal between the two clubs PSG always ask for more.”

As for the likely size of the deal, Romano reiterated a point he has made previously: “I always told you here it’s not going to be €170 million it’s going to be less than this so the conversation is ongoing to try find the best structure of the deal for all parties involved.”

That leaves the Barcola transfer very much alive, with Liverpool continuing to work through the financial framework and PSG maintaining their position in negotiations.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad omission adds to Liverpool expectation

Player availability often becomes one of the clearest indicators during the final week of a window, and Romano highlighted that Barcola’s latest omission has only sharpened focus on a possible move. He linked that absence with wider comments coming out of Paris.

In Romano’s words, “But the fact that Barcola is not traveling, Luis Enrique is clearly saying if someone is here and he’s not happy is better to go and the Paris Saint-German chairman is saying we will see what’s going to happen.” He followed that with a pointed assessment, “Not closing doors to the exit.”

That combination, a player left out, senior figures leaving room for movement and active club-to-club dialogue, is why Romano’s reading of the situation is so strong. He said, “It’s all pointing towards a Liverpool move by the end of the window.”

He then went even further on the likely next step, adding, “So I expect acceleration on the Bradley Barcola file in the next days definitely because Liverpool behind the scenes are absolutely on it.”

For Liverpool, that phrase, “behind the scenes”, is especially instructive. It underlines that while there may be limited public movement, work is ongoing and substantial.

Mbaya also discussed as Liverpool weigh price

Romano’s update also touched on Ibrahim Mbaya, another PSG winger under discussion. Here, his comments were more cautious and price-driven from Liverpool’s standpoint.

He said, “Now we have to follow the situation because for Ibrahim Mbaye, Liverpool considered the price too high at this stage.” Romano added further transfer context around Liverpool’s wide options, saying, “Liverpool also had two bids rejected by Brighton for Yankuba Minteh.”

On Mbaya specifically, the message was that admiration exists but the valuation remains an obstacle for now. Romano said, “But Ibrahim Mbaye is appreciated yes but other clubs could jump on the opportunity because Liverpool at the moment considered Paris and Germanic too high for Ibrahim Mbaye.” He concluded, “Let’s see if the price comes down but at the moment not yet.”

Even so, the headline from Romano’s latest...

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