Bradley Barcola displayed a trait in training that impressed his France teammates, and it could benefit Liverpool if he moves to Anfield this summer. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has been linked with the Reds for over a year.
Giroud Praises Barcola's Composure
Olivier Giroud wrote in an April 2024 column for L'Equipe about Barcola's confidence when he first joined France's senior setup. "He's a shy guy in the dressing room," Giroud said. "But he's very intelligent. You have some people who talk a lot. But the guy who is shy... they see everything and, afterwards, if you give advice to that guy, he knows what he has to do."
Giroud added: "What surprised me about him, and about today's young players, is how confident they are during their early training sessions. Especially him. From the start, he showed what he's capable of. You can see the potential. He still has room to grow, but he's already very skilled in dribbling and penetration."
World Cup 2026 Impact
Barcola doubled his international goal tally to six at the 2026 World Cup, scoring in wins over Senegal and Sweden before coming off the bench in France's third-place play-off defeat to England. Giroud, working as a BBC pundit during the tournament, was impressed by Barcola's progress.
Barcola is a top target for Andoni Iraola's side, especially after RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid, potentially accelerating Liverpool's pursuit of a Mohamed Salah successor.
Transfer Situation
Reports in France suggest Barcola has no intention of signing a PSG contract extension this summer despite being offered talks. However, Le Parisien also insists he has no intention of forcing his way out. That approach may earn respect from Iraola and the Liverpool board, even as they pursue a deal.
Like Giroud, Barcola could soon swap Ligue 1 for the Premier League. His unshakeable nerve in the face of world-class competition may be one of his greatest strengths if he makes the move to Anfield in the coming weeks.
