PSG Nears Deal for Ajax Winger Mika Godts Amid Barcola's Liverpool Move
Paris Saint-Germain are edging towards a deal for Ajax winger Mika Godts, and the entire move is now tied directly to Bradley Barcola’s expected exit to Liverpool.
The French champions have told Liverpool they are ready to soften their stance on Barcola’s fee, but the Premier League side must come much closer to PSG’s valuation if they want to get the transfer over the line.
At the same time, PSG have gone back in for Godts with a new offer that now sits close to Ajax’s asking price. An agreement for the 21-year-old is anticipated this weekend, with the Belgian firmly identified as Barcola’s successor in Luis Enrique’s attack.
Inside the club, Godts is seen as the key that unlocks the entire chain. Once he walks through the door in Paris, PSG feel they can finally give the green light to Barcola’s departure after weeks of holding firm.
PSG’s pursuit of Godts has been building for some time. The Ligue 1 side made their move earlier this month, and negotiations have advanced since then, with agent Jorge Mendes playing a central role in driving the deal towards completion.
The proposed fee for Godts is expected to land at around €50million. PSG believe that investment will allow them to reshape their forward line and, crucially, give them the confidence to cash in on Barcola after initially slapping a £145m price tag on the France international.
Barcola, for his part, is already aligned with Liverpool. Personal terms are agreed and his preference for a switch to Anfield has been clear from the outset.
Transfer Situation
Arsenal have monitored the situation and held talks of their own, but sources insist Liverpool remain in pole position. The 23-year-old has committed in principle to joining Jürgen Klopp’s side. Only one problem remains: the fee.
Liverpool and PSG still apart on Barcola price
Liverpool currently value a deal for Barcola at around £100million. PSG, though, believe the final package can land closer to £125million.
Even at that level, Barcola would be on course to become the most expensive British transfer of all time, eclipsing last summer’s record move that took Alexander Isak to Newcastle.
PSG have now made it clear there is room to negotiate. The door is open, but they expect Liverpool to move significantly from their current stance before any handshake is possible.
Behind the scenes, the French champions are piecing together a wider attacking overhaul. Ferran Torres already has an agreement in place to arrive from Barcelona as the long-term replacement for Goncalo Ramos. Maghnes Akliouche has come in to cover the departure of Lee Kang-In.
That leaves Godts as the man specifically chosen to fill the void Barcola would leave on the flanks. It explains why PSG are driving so hard to close the Ajax deal as quickly as possible.
If Ajax and PSG can finalise terms for Godts this weekend, the last major obstacle to Barcola’s move will be the size of Liverpool’s bid.
For now, the dominoes are lining up: Godts is nearing Paris, Barcola is waiting for Anfield, and PSG are finally showing a willingness to bend on a valuation that once looked immovable. The next move belongs to Liverpool.
