Barcola unlikely to extend contract as relationship with Enrique worsens

Despite being Paris Saint-Germain’s stand-out player this season, Bradley Barcola may not get his current deal extended as his relationship with Luis Enrique seems to be deteriorating. 

The 22-year-old, who joined the Paris club from Olympique Lyon, is the top scorer in Ligue 1, but his form has dipped in recent weeks. As he is also struggling to replicate that form in the UEFA Champions League, PSG is on the brink of elimination from the money-spinning competition, which they finished in the semi-final of last season.

Having once again failed to score against FC Nantes, the match ended in a draw, and there have been reports of unrest within the PSG dressing room. 

It was gathered that Ousmane Dembélé and Presnel Kimpembe are unhappy with their current situations, while the former also has misgivings about Les Parisiens’ play-style under Luis Enrique, as per L’Équipe. 

Foot Mercato reported that Barcola shares a similar stance. The former OL forward is increasingly out of kilter with what Enrique is instructing him to do, which has left him increasingly frustrated with his manager’s tactical instructions. This has caused tension between the player and his manager. 

The frustration seems to stem from Enrique’s rigid tactical instructions. According to reports, this could even scupper Barcola’s touted extension at PSG. 

Foot Mercato reports that talks over an extension to the current deal, which runs until 2028, started a few weeks ago. However, due to the present situation, those talks are now on standby.

Their latest result leaves them with 33 points from 13 games in the Ligue 1 standings, and they are leading both Olympique Marseille and AS Monaco with 7 points.

Marseille overtook Monaco in the second position after defeating Monaco in the weekend.

Lille and Lyon complete the top five with 23 and 22 points, respectively.