Liverpool’s blockbuster move for Bradley Barcola did more than secure one of Europe’s most exciting attackers, it also priced one of the continent’s biggest clubs out of the race.

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed the German champions considered signing Barcola before his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield, but decided the financial package was simply too expensive.

Liverpool officially announced Barcola’s arrival on 31st August, with the France international signing a long-term contract and taking the No.29 shirt.

The Reds did not disclose the fee, although reports in Germany have placed the deal at around €125million (£108m), with some reports suggesting add-ons could take it higher. 

Speaking to Sport Bild, via Sport Witness, Eberl revealed Bayern’s admiration for Barcola was nothing new.

“Honestly, I’ve known him since my time in Leipzig. I wanted to bring him to RB,” Eberl explained. “We sat down together at the time and discussed it. So I had a closer relationship with Bradley.”

That connection meant Barcola remained firmly on Eberl’s radar after he moved to Bayern. But when Liverpool entered the equation, the numbers ultimately became too rich for the Bundesliga giants.

“There had therefore always been interest,” Eberl added. “Of course, we also looked at Bradley at Bayern. But when you hear sums like that, it was too much for us.” 

It is quite a statement when Bayern Munich, hardly strangers to marquee transfers, decide the price is beyond what they are prepared to pay. Eberl has stressed Bayern remain capable of completing €100m-plus deals when convinced by a player, pointing towards Harry Kane as evidence, but Barcola was evidently a line they would not cross. 

Liverpool saw things differently. Barcola arrived having registered 39 goals and 35 assists in 152 appearances for PSG, winning consecutive Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns. He had previously contributed seven goals and 11 assists in 47 matches for Lyon. 

For Liverpool, this was less about finding value and more about securing a player they believe can define their attack for years.

Barcola himself made his ambitions clear after signing: “I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League, it’s one of my biggest dreams in my life.” 

Bayern knew the player. They wanted the player. Liverpool were simply prepared to go where Bayern wouldn’t.

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