Liverpool are close to sealing a stunning transfer for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola, with the French player expected to arrive in England today. The two clubs struck a final agreement on Thursday for a deal that will make the 23-year-old one of the costliest players in Premier League history.

Barcola prepares for Merseyside medical

The lengthy uncertainty over Barcola’s future now seems to be nearing an end as the winger gets ready for a new chapter in the Premier League. According to L'Equipe, the France international is due to fly to England this Saturday to complete the remaining formalities of his high-profile move to Anfield.

The 23-year-old has been at the centre of intense talks between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, but the route is now open for him to complete a medical and put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Merseyside club.

The transfer follows Barcola’s notable omission from Luis Enrique’s matchday squad for PSG’s recent 2-2 draw against Rennes, a strong sign that his exit from the Parc des Princes was close. With personal terms already believed to have been agreed, the player is now expected to finish the final administrative formalities in England before being officially presented as a Liverpool player.

Record-breaking agreement reached with PSG

The financial scale of the transfer underlines Liverpool’s ambition, with the overall package valued at around €140m. The breakthrough came as a compromise on PSG’s initial €170m valuation after constructive negotiations led by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon.

The fee would make Barcola the second-most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history, behind only the £125m paid for Alexander Isak last year. This bold recruitment approach highlights Liverpool’s determination to remain competitive at the very top, having already spent heavily on players such as Florian Wirtz.

PSG, meanwhile, are set to register the biggest sale in the club’s history, beating their previous records as they continue reshaping the squad under Luis Enrique.

Succession planning for the post-Salah era

Barcola had been identified early in the summer transfer window as the ideal long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Liverpool stepped up their chase for the Frenchman after a move for Yan Diomande broke down, directing their full focus towards bringing the former Lyon player to Anfield.

In spite of his contributions in Paris, where he made 49 appearances last season and scored 13 goals, Barcola often saw his game time restricted because of the presence of stars such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. A move to Anfield is expected to offer him a clearer route to regular football.

Squad ripple effects and deadline day activity

The arrival of a €140m forward is expected to have major implications for the current squad depth at Anfield. Cody Gakpo’s future is already under the spotlight, with reports linking the Netherlands forward with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

As Liverpool work Barcola into the squad, they may have to approve high-profile exits to keep finances in order and maintain balance within the dressing room. Even so, the recruitment staff do not seem to be done yet, and they are still exploring the market for extra cover on the right wing.

Liverpool have stayed active right up to the closing stages of the transfer window, having previously seen approaches for Ismaila Sarr and Endrick turned down by their respective clubs.