Former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris has publicly called on his old club to launch a sensational hijack of Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.
Jody Morris Urges Chelsea to Hijack Liverpool’s Move for PSG Star Bradley Barcola
Speaking on Sky Sports, Morris admitted he would “love” to see the west London club secure the signature of the France international.
However, he tempered his enthusiasm by acknowledging the significant challenge such a move would present.
Morris pointed to Chelsea’s recent success in signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa as evidence of the club’s pulling power.
The Blues completed a stunning £117 million deal for the England international, beating Arsenal to his signature despite the Gunners being the reigning Premier League champions.
“I was really surprised that we managed to get Morgan Rogers through the door when he’s playing for a team that’s already in the Champions League and reportedly had the champions of England [Arsenal] after him as well,” Morris said.
But the former midfielder believes landing Barcola would be an even taller order, given the PSG forward’s recent trophy haul.
“I think it would be wishful thinking if we were then able to get another player of that ilk [Barcola] who has just won the Champions League twice,” Morris added.
Liverpool have identified Barcola as their primary target following Mohamed Salah’s departure. The Reds have already signed Victor Muñoz from Osasuna but manager Andoni Iraola wants a marquee winger to complete his attack.
However, negotiations have hit a significant obstacle. PSG value the 23-year-old at £145 million, and Sky Sports reports there remains a substantial gap in valuation between the two clubs.
While Liverpool are reportedly prepared to pay around £100 million, the Champions League holders are standing firm on their asking price.
Arsenal also hold an interest in Barcola after missing out on Vinicius Junior, who committed his future to Real Madrid.
With two years remaining on his contract and no intention of signing an extension, Barcola’s future remains one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas.
