The story could have turned the 2025 summer transfer window: Bradley Barcola, the 23-year-old nugget of Paris Saint-Germain, was in the viewfinder of Manchester City, ready to do anything to snatch his signature. But as often in big backstage maneuvers, the twists and turns have been chained, and the operation, announced as imminent, finally failed. However, far from being a simple missed episode, this aborted attempt could well be the first act of an explosive soap opera which promises to be 2026.
A concrete interest of the Citizens
According toMarket football, Manchester City had made Barcola a priority target of his transfer window. Pep Guardiola, aware of the uncertainties surrounding Savinho and the irregularity of certain offensive elements, absolutely wanted to strengthen his corridors. Barcola, explosive, technical and decisive, represented the perfect profile: a modern winger, capable of scoring but also to create for his partners.
The figures speak for themselves:27 goals and 31 assists in 107 appearancesIn the Paris jersey. Statistics that have confirmed a dazzling ascent since his arrival from Lyon in the summer of 2023. In only two seasons, Barcola has established himself as one of the emblematic faces of the new three -color generation, regularly called as a French team and already courted by the Europe giants.
A battle for several clubs
Manchester City was not alone in the race. Bayern Munich, still attentive to the emerging talents of Ligue 1, had also made an attempt. The German club, in search of a winger to compensate for certain offensive gaps, saw in Barcola an indisputable future holder. But it was City who seemed to be closest to snatch the case.
The timing could have been perfect: Savinho, announced in the viewfinder of Tottenham, appeared on the start. But to everyone’s surprise, the Brazilian stayed at Etihad. This simple detail was enough to block any movement, and the dream of an arrival of Barcola in the Premier League has died … temporarily.
The PSG wall
Because beyond the circumstances linked to Savinho, convincing Paris Saint-Germain to give in Barcola almost was impossible. At just 23 years old, the attacker is seen as a centerpiece of the Parisian project. His performances, energy and ability to unlock the matches make him an almost untouchable player in the eyes of Luis Enrique and the management of the club.
PSG, criticized in the past for sometimes letting your talents spin too easily, absolutely did not want to repeat the errors made with players like Kingsley Coman or Christopher Nkunku. This time, the capital’s club seems determined to keep its jewel, even if it means repelling astronomical offers.
A soap opera to follow
But the transfer window is a play where nothing is ever frozen. Manchester City showed his interest, Barcola knows that he is desired, and the player himself could one day be tempted by the English adventure. Etihad and the Premier League represent a unique showcase, a challenge that few French footballers refuse.
Especially since the Citizens, often patient but determined, never let go of a target once identified. If Savinho ends up leaving Manchester in the coming months, everything could accelerate. And the duel announced with Bayern Munich could resume more beautifully, with a perfume of revenge.
Around a burning summer 2026?
So what should we wait? A new City offensive from winter seems unlikely, but next summer could be marked by an XXL standoff. Barcola, whose value continues to climb, could become one of the most disputed transfers on the market.
PSG, for its part, will have to withstand pressure. But until when? The Parisian club has the financial means to keep its prodigy, but faced with an astronomical check and the will of the player, nothing is ever certain.
In the meantime, Bradley Barcola continues to illuminate Ligue 1 and strengthen his unavoidable status. But the shadow of Manchester City still hovers. What if the aborted love story of the summer of 2025 was only the prologue of a much more explosive soap opera?
