Bradley Barcola would not only step into Mohamed Salah's shoes at Liverpool but also into his preferred shirt number. The No.29 jersey has been vacant at Anfield for several years and is ready for the France winger if he completes a summer move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old has reportedly refused to sign a new contract at PSG despite the club opening talks, fueling speculation he could be Salah's long-term successor. Reports in France claim Barcola has already turned down an approach from Chelsea earlier this summer.
Barcola's connection to No.29
Barcola has worn the No.29 consistently since joining PSG from Lyon in 2023. Explaining the inspiration behind the number, he told trading card company Club Legacyz: “It’s actually a funny story. When I was younger, I used to play FIFA. In the story mode with Alex Hunter, this number became symbolic for me. I thought to myself, 'The day I go pro, it’ll be number 29.' And here I am, I adopted it, and now I’ll never let it go.”
The last Liverpool player to wear the No.29 was Arthur Melo during the 2022/23 campaign. Ironically, Barcola adopted the same shirt at PSG that same summer.
Transfer obstacles
Barcola would not come cheap. Reports suggest PSG would demand well north of £100million despite him having less than two years left on his contract. He primarily plays on the left wing but can operate on the right, the position left vacant by Salah's departure. He already has direct goal contributions against Liverpool and Chelsea from that flank in last season's Champions League.
While other clubs could offer the same shirt number, Liverpool's ability to provide Barcola's preferred jersey immediately is a small advantage in their pursuit.
