According to Echo, Liverpool continues to push for the transfer of Bradley Barkley, and the French winger has entered the club's list of priority transfer targets for this summer. Former Liverpool defender Steven Warnock also believes the deal is gradually moving closer to completion.

PSG's 0-1 defeat to Lens in the French Cup last weekend, when Bradley Barkley was absent from the squad, has further fueled speculation about his future. Liverpool hopes to strengthen its attack before the transfer window closes on September 1 (CEST), and the 23-year-old French international has become a key target for the Reds.

Bradley Barkley currently has two years remaining on his PSG contract, but reportedly has indicated he does not intend to extend it. PSG is also willing to sell the winger if an acceptable offer comes in, and negotiations with Liverpool are ongoing.

PSG previously valued Bradley Barkley at €170 million, or approximately £145 million. However, a significant gap remains between the current valuations of the two clubs. According to RMC Sport, PSG still hopes to complete the deal this summer; French media outlet Jeunes Footeux reported that PSG is willing to consider offers in the region of €130-140 million, or approximately £110-120 million, marking a clear reduction from the previous asking price of €170 million.

Warnock believes PSG's initial valuation was too high, and Liverpool should not agree to such a price.

"The transfer market right now is absolutely mad, it's ridiculous. I can understand PSG's position—look at Morgan Rogers, who sold for £117 million. Of course, they can say: 'We have a French international who has just won the Champions League twice and is also a key player for the French national team, why isn't he worth this price?'"

"And you're buying his potential, so I can understand their thinking. But £170 million? That's nowhere near worth it. I think £100-110 million is more reasonable—still absolutely mad by normal standards, but in line with today's market conditions, that's roughly the range."

Warnock also noted that Bradley Barkley's absence from PSG's squad in the match against Lens could suggest the transfer has reached a critical stage.

"Not playing in the French Cup suggests the deal is very close. However, I'd think about the Isak situation, and then look at his recent training and fitness. I hope Bradley Barkley knows the transfer is happening and has been preparing behind the scenes, ready to join his new club at any moment. Because it doesn't seem like he's being isolated the way Isak was at Newcastle."

Regarding the pressure Bradley Barkley may face after the move, Warnock believes he should not be viewed as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah.

"You can say that players can't truly be replaced, but Liverpool has spent years finding new players and new ways of playing. From Dalglish to Rush, then Suárez, Gerrard—the club has always been able to find different types of players. I think Liverpool fans will be relatively relaxed because Bradley Barkley won't be the next Mohamed Salah; he'll be a different type of player."

"If he can provide assists, contribute, and influence the game, he'll quickly become a fan favorite, and supporters will be fully behind him. I don't think he'll bear the burden of being the next Mohamed Salah, because that level of performance is genuinely too difficult to replicate."

"If he can get close to Mohamed Salah's level—even if it's only half his output—as long as he can create plenty of chances for others, plus Isak and Wirtz start scoring, or Gakpo eventually stays, whatever he ends up being, he'll be an entirely different type of player."

As transfer speculation continues to mount, PSG chairman Bandar Al-Mutairi also gave a somewhat cryptic response regarding Bradley Barkley's future last week.

"We're working calmly. We won't say too much, but we'll get the job done. All players are important to us, and once they sign a contract with PSG, they become important."

When asked about Bradley Barkley's situation, PSG manager Enrique said: "If a player comes here and is unhappy, then it's better to look for other solutions."

Currently, Liverpool and PSG continue to negotiate over the transfer fee, but there are signs that PSG is lowering its demands. Bradley Barkley's absence from the latest match has made his transfer link to Liverpool increasingly credible.

Переведено ИИ.

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