Why do Liverpool want to sign £140m rated Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola?

Liverpool are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola because they believe the France international can add pace, goals, creativity and attacking versatility to their forward line.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers and is reportedly valued at around £100 million by Liverpool, although PSG are believed to be demanding closer to £145 million. A move would represent another major investment from the Reds following the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak as they continue to rebuild their squad.

Barcola is viewed as a potential long-term successor to Luis Díaz and could help fill the attacking void left by Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season.

Who is Bradley Barcola?

Bradley Barcola is a French winger who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Primarily deployed on the left side of attack, the right-footed forward is known for his explosive pace, dribbling ability and direct style of play.

Barcola joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5 million and has since developed into one of Ligue 1’s leading attacking players.

During his time in Paris, he has won three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and back-to-back Champions League trophies.

Although he has not always been an automatic starter due to PSG’s attacking options, Barcola has played an important role alongside players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.

Why are Liverpool interested in Bradley Barcola?

Liverpool are looking at Barcola because his playing style fits the profile of attacker they need following significant changes in their forward line.

After Luis Díaz left last summer, Liverpool opted not to sign a direct replacement. However, Barcola’s statistics suggest he could provide many of the qualities previously offered by the Colombian winger.

According to Opta’s player similarity model, Barcola’s performances across Europe’s top five leagues during the 2025-26 season most closely matched Díaz’s output, with a similarity rating of 78%.

Mohamed Salah (65%), Lamine Yamal (61%) and Vinícius Júnior (61%) were the next closest comparisons.

However, Barcola would not simply be a replacement for another winger. His attacking profile is built around his ability to drive at defenders, attack space and regularly enter dangerous positions.

What makes Bradley Barcola such a dangerous attacker?

One of Barcola’s biggest strengths is his ability to combine the qualities of a winger with the instincts of a striker.

Having played as a forward during his younger years, he has developed a strong goalscoring instinct despite operating mainly from the left flank.

Last season, Barcola averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1, while his expected goals figure of 9.83 ranked among the best wide players across Europe’s top five leagues.

He finished the campaign with 11 league goals, outperforming his expected goals total and demonstrating his ability to convert attacking opportunities.

His direct running is another key strength. Barcola was the only player across Europe’s top five leagues to average more than two shot-ending carries per 90 minutes, highlighting how effectively he can beat opponents before creating chances.

He also ranked among Europe’s leading players for touches inside the opposition penalty area, showing his ability to consistently arrive in dangerous goalscoring areas.

How does Barcola compare to Mohamed Salah?

While Salah has been Liverpool’s main attacking creator from wide areas for almost a decade, Barcola offers a different style of threat.

The French winger attempts more take-ons per 90 minutes than Salah, showing his preference for driving past defenders and creating opportunities himself.

However, Salah remains the more creative player, with higher numbers for chances created, crosses and through balls.

Barcola’s strengths are his explosiveness, ability to carry the ball forward and his willingness to attack defenders directly.

Could Bradley Barcola fit Liverpool’s new attack?

Liverpool’s evolving attack could suit Barcola’s strengths.

With Florian Wirtz providing creativity between the lines and Alexander Isak offering a focal point through the middle, Barcola’s ability to make quick runs beyond defenders could give Liverpool another attacking dimension.

His defensive work could also appeal to Liverpool’s recruitment team. Barcola ranked among Europe’s best performers for winning possession in the final third last season, highlighting his pressing ability and intensity without the ball.

Those qualities would complement Liverpool’s high-energy attacking approach.

How many caps does Bradley Barcola have for France?

Barcola has earned 28 caps for France and scored three goals at this summer’s World Cup, including in France’s 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off.

Competition for places in Didier Deschamps’ squad remains fierce, with Barcola regularly competing with PSG team-mate Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé for attacking roles.

What would Bradley Barcola bring to Liverpool?

If Liverpool complete a deal, Barcola would bring pace, unpredictability and another goalscoring threat to their forward line.

Still only 23, he has already developed from a Lyon academy prospect into a two-time Champions League winner, but his performances suggest he still has significant room for improvement.

Liverpool’s interest reflects their desire to continue building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, with Barcola viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents.

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