Bradley Barcola
LIV
Left Winger
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Sep 2, 2002 (24)
Right
6'2"
161 lb
Assists in win
Barcola assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 win versus Brighton.
Analysis: Barcola was back in the goal contributions during Sunday's win. He set up the opening goal and was a threat down the wing with his pace any time he got on the ball. The winger got off to a slow start with Liverpool, but he's caught fire coming out of the international break and seems to be right back to his best in the Premier League.
Cleared to face Brighton
Barcola is fully available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton after completing normal team training Friday, with his recent individual session attributed to workload management rather than an injury concern, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "Bradley has trained today normally. He's fine with no problem. It was just a matter of sometimes you have to deal with the loads and we consider sometimes they have to stay inside. But he's fine."
Analysis: Barcola has been cleared of any fitness concerns after training separately from his teammates Thursday as part of a planned recovery program. The French winger returned to normal training Friday, confirming that his lighter workload was precautionary rather than injury-related. He featured as a substitute during Tuesday's 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal after registering an assist against Brentford and a hat-trick against LASK in his recent appearances. His availability gives Liverpool another attacking option against Brighton, with his recent performances strengthening his case for increased playing time.
Recovers individually Thursday
Barcola is fully available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton after it was clarified that his individual session Thursday was part of a planned recovery program rather than an injury concern, according to Vinny O'Connor of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Barcola is not dealing with an injury despite training separately from his Liverpool teammates Thursday, with his individual session now confirmed to be part of a recovery program. The winger featured off the bench in Tuesday's 4-3 Champions League victory against Villarreal, making the lighter workload a precautionary measure rather than a fitness setback. The Frenchman has been building momentum in recent weeks after a relatively slow start to his Liverpool career, notably registering an assist during Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford and a hat-trick in the Champions League clash against LASK. His recent performances have strengthened his case for a more prominent attacking role, and he should be fully available for Sunday's encounter against Brighton without any fitness restrictions.
Trains individually ahead of Brighton clash
Barcola (undisclosed) was spotted undergoing an individual training session Thursday ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton, raising questions about his availability for the weekend, according to Vinny O'Connor of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Barcola's fitness will be worth monitoring after the winger trained separately from his Liverpool teammates Thursday, just two days after featuring off the bench in Tuesday's 4-3 Champions League victory against Villarreal. The reason for his individual session remains unclear, and there has been no indication that he is dealing with a significant injury. The Frenchman has been building momentum in recent weeks after a relatively slow start to his Liverpool career, notably registering an assist during Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford and a hat-trick in the UCL clash against LASK. His recent performances have strengthened his case for a more prominent attacking role, although his involvement against Brighton could depend on whether he returns to full team training before the weekend. Further clarification from the coaching staff should provide a better indication of his availability for Sunday's encounter.
Assists in win
Barcola assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Brentford. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 31st minute.
Analysis: Barcola was back on the scoresheet during Saturday's clash, as he added an assist on his only chance created. He got off to a slow start to life on Merseyside, but he's picked it up in recent weeks. The winger looked great in the Champions League midweek and is now looking dangerous back in Premier League action.
Ends goal drought with hat trick
Barcola scored a hat trick from five shots and created two chances in Wednesday's Champions League game against LASK.
Analysis: Barcola finally opened his Liverpool account in style at LASK with a first half brace before completing his hat trick after the break. The winger was a threat all evening with five shots and two chances created, and he was unlucky not to add an assist when Ryan Gravenberch hit the woodwork. He has started every Premier League and Champions League game since his full debut against Atletico Madrid but had struggled for form until now, so this could prove the lift he needed.
Dreadful in loss
Barcola generated one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-0 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: Barcola took a single shot and created a pair of chances during Sunday's loss. It's a disappointing outing for Liverpool's newest flashy signing, who has once against looked hapless. It's not been a good start to life in Liverpool for Barcola, who is still hoping to come good on a mammoth price tag.
Struggles in win
Barcola generated one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Barcola got the start and played 72 minutes Sunday, but he was largely disconnected from the team. It seems like he's still getting on the same page as the rest of the team, as he struggled to get involved consistently. He managed only a single shot that required a kick-out save to stop. Barcola is clearly talented, but hasn't hit the ground running on Merseyside.
Pour first start
Barcola generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Fulham.
Analysis: Barcola failed to impress during his first Liverpool start. The winger created one chance and failed to put a shot on goal during a frustrating draw. It was a poor showing throughout for the new mega-money signing, who really didn't do enough on the ball. Barcola will hope to continue to gel in the first team as Liverpool head to Bournemouth next time out.
Not injured but will be tested
Barcola was just dealing with cramps after Wednesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid but will still be tested Friday, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "We train this afternoon [and] evening. But, yes, Barcola was just cramps. Obviously he finished tight in the game and then we have to evaluate with how are things today - but there's no injury. He should be available if everything goes normal."
Analysis: Barcola went down holding his calf and was substituted in the recent Champions League win over Atletico Madrid after making his first Liverpool start, with manager Iraola acknowledging the club had been rushing him a little following his return to action. His expected availability now eases concern from that scare, though Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong could still cover the wings if needed.
Forced off with cramp Wednesday
Barcola went down holding his left calf and was substituted in the 60th minute of Wednesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, though coach Andoni Iraola played down any concern after the match, per Dave Ockop. "It was just cramps, especially with Bradley. We are kind of rushing him a little bit. We wanted him there, but at the end we decided to say give us what you have then that's the most he has. Let's see how they recover for the next one."
Analysis: Barcola's early exit was limited to cramps after he made his first start for Liverpool, with coach Andoni Iraola indicating there was no major concern and that the winger was being pushed a little after returning to action. He was able to give the team as much as he had before being withdrawn, and his recovery will now be monitored ahead of the next match to determine whether he can handle another workload, though the three-day gap between matches could make another start difficult for Barcola. Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong could cover on the wings if he is unable to start, with Cody Gakpo (groin) also a doubt for the game.
Withdrawn with injury Wednesday
Barcola went off with an apparent calf injury during his first start for Liverpool in Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Barcola's setback came during his first start for Liverpool, just over a week after his move from Paris Saint-Germain and only his second appearance for the club after a substitute outing at Ipswich. coach Andoni Iraola had already indicated before the match that the winger had not accumulated many pre-season minutes and was unlikely to complete the 90, making the calf issue a concern given his limited match conditioning. The one encouraging sign is that he walked off under his own power, which leaves cramp or a minor strain as plausible outcomes.
Ready for more minutes
Barcola has been training normally since joining Liverpool and is ready to see increased minutes, according to head coach Andoni Iraola. "He is ready to play more minutes. He has been training quite normally, only thing he hasn't had pre-season (games). But he is in a really good place."
Analysis: Barcola did not play a single minute during Paris Saint-Germain's preseason after returning from the World Cup, making his 26-minute cameo against Liverpool his first action since the return. He is now expected to gradually rebuild his workload, with a start in one of the next two matches a possibility given the quick turnaround between league and Champions League fixtures. Victor Munoz could be the player to make way if Barcola enters the starting XI. The winger's ability to operate on either flank alongside Cody Gakpo gives the manager additional flexibility in the attacking setup.
Joins Liverpool
Barcola has completed a permanent move to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a long-term contract with the club.
Analysis: Barcola arrives at Liverpool after an impressive three-year spell with PSG, where he recorded 39 goals and 35 assists across 152 appearances while winning two Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns. The France international also scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup and brings pace, one-on-one ability and versatility across the front line. Barcola is expected to start on the wing for Liverpool, with Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha providing additional competition in the wide attacking positions.
Out for Super Cup final
Barcola is out for Sunday's Super Cup final against Lens as he looks to be on his way out of the club, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport.
Analysis: Barcola has been the center of talks for a week or two now, as it looks like his time with PSG is coming to an end, further solidified by his absence from the team sheet Sunday. No deal has been confirmed, but a few clubs have been bidding, with Liverpool showing the most interest. With 12 goal contributions in league play and six in UCL play last season, the young winger will be a solid addition to any team he joins.
Back to prepare new season
Barcola is back to prepare for the new season with PSG after the World Cup, according to the club.
Analysis: Barcola scored 11 Ligue 1 goals last season and closed out the World Cup with three goals and one assist across eight appearances for France, including the goal that pulled his side level in the third place playoff loss to England. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations, though his long term future remains uncertain given the reported interest from Liverpool.
Scores as substitute in loss
Barcola scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 6-4 defeat against England.
Analysis: Barcola made his presence felt off the bench, replacing Desire Doue at halftime and firing a right-footed shot from inside the box into the net in the 54th minute of the World Cup bronze final. Having alternated starts with his fellow PSG teammate Doue, Barcola recorded 90 minutes in only one of his eight appearances, but he took part in all possible games, finishing with three goals and one assist over eight outings.
Minimal impact in knockout defeat
Barcola recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 2-0 loss versus Spain.
Analysis: Barcola bounced back into the initial lineup as part of the constant rotation between him and Desire Doue, who replaced him in the 57th minute of the semi-finals game. The 23-year-old failed to meet expectations in the last three matches after scoring two goals and one assist over the initial four clashes. He's in contention with Doue for the left-wing spot ahead of Saturday's third-place match.
One shot from bench
Barcola registered one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Morocco.
Analysis: Barcola would get some time Thursday despite his dropping to the bench, playing 13 minutes on the left flank of the attack. He would still record a shot and two chances created, a decent display despite the short appearance. He has now started in half of France's World Cup games this tournament, potentially getting the nod over Desire Doue in the semifinals.
Set fo bench role against Morocco
Barcola is expected to begin on the bench against Morocco, according to Fabrice Hakwins of RMC Sport.
Analysis: Barcola is now set to serve as a depth option for France on Thursday, as the forward is unlikely to start. The attacker comes off not his best game at the World Cup in the round of 16 after earning a goal contribution in two straight appearances, with two goals and one assist this tournament. This will likely leave Desire Doue to start on the left flank, with Barcola seeing a decent chance of appearing from the bench.
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