Liverpool's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has been a dominant theme of their summer transfer business. The 23-year-old French international is valued at around £145 million, but the Reds are reportedly keen to negotiate a lower fee with the European champions. Liverpool are looking to strengthen their wide areas following Mohamed Salah's departure to Turkish club Trabzonspor, which left a significant void on the right wing.
Pundits divided over Barcola's fit
While Barcola is highly regarded, not all pundits agree he is the solution to Liverpool's needs. Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool icon, told Sky Sports in July: "He's a great player, there's no doubt about that - I'd love to get Barcola at Liverpool. But he's a left winger for me." Carragher emphasised the need to replace Salah on the right, noting that Liverpool already have several left-wing options, including Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and new signing Victor Munoz.
Michael Owen, a former Liverpool striker, suggested the club should have pursued West Ham's Jarrod Bowen instead. "He's obviously very good, but he's going to come at a massive price," Owen said. "I don't think they have to win it. There's other great players out there."
Some pundits back the move
Alan Shearer, however, believes Liverpool need a player of Barcola's quality. "Liverpool are going to have to go again in the transfer market," he told Betfair in June. "Salah's gone, so they obviously need someone to replace him."
Emile Heskey, another former Liverpool striker, expressed enthusiasm for the potential signing. "I love that. If there was anyone that could give us that familiar sort of grit and fight and directness on the wing, as to what we had with [Sadio] Mane and [Luis] Diaz, it would be him," he told the ECHO.
Competition and concerns
Arsenal are also strongly linked with Barcola. Perry Groves, a former Arsenal forward, claimed on talkSPORT that Barcola "wants to live in London," suggesting he would prefer a move to the Gunners. Paul Merson, another ex-Arsenal player, urged his former club to sign Barcola if they miss out on Vinicius Jr., stating: "They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left."
Louis Saha, a former Everton striker, admitted he would be "gutted" if Liverpool signed Barcola, praising his speed and stamina. "Liverpool are going to get a really good player," he said.
Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool midfielder, backed Barcola over Yan Diomande, who moved to Real Madrid. "Between Diomande and Barcola, I would probably go for Barcola right now," he said. "I don’t think Liverpool need to buy potential anymore."
