Liverpool information: Bradley Barcola ‘not value astronomical payment’ as switch battle laid naked
Liverpool have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season under Andoni Iraola, but their mega money new frontline has still not clicked into full gear
Bradley Barcola left Paris Saint-Germain for Liverpool in the summer
Liverpool splashed the cash this summer as new manager Andoni Iraola was tasked with reviving their fortunes after a dismal campaign last season.
He’s made an encouraging start as the Reds have maintained an unbeaten run across all competitions under the Spanish coach, taking them to sixth place in the Premier League with two victories and three draws from their first five matches, including a 1-0 triumph against his old club Bournemouth on Sunday, who had not lost at home since the beginning of January.
This win marked their third consecutive clean sheet – a milestone not reached since their title-winning 24/25 season. Yet growing pains persist especially when it comes to their mega money attack of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo kicking into gear. Last season’s £116m addition Wirtz and newcomer Barcola in particular need to improve, with the latter taking time to settle following his £123m transfer. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Bradley Barcola is yet to contribute to a goal at Liverpool(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Barcola price tag criticised
Barcola has yet to find the back of the net or provide an assist for Liverpool since becoming the second-most expensive player in the club’s history.
The 24-year-old hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes for the Reds in his first four appearances and has been told he doesn’t justify his £123m price tag by former France and Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef, reports the Mirror.
The pundit stated: “Bradley Barcola wasn’t worth that money because nobody is, transfer fees have become astronomical across the board. That said, it’s a great opportunity for Barcola to play for clubs like Lyon, PSG and now Liverpool.”
Leboeuf, 58, did stress that supporters will need to show patience with Barcola. He said: “However, he needs time to adapt because the Premier League is different. He will get less space than he had at PSG under Luis Enrique.
“He joined a team undergoing significant changes after a difficult transition. Liverpool signed Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and new full-backs and the team is still finding its rhythm.”
Barcola found his minutes limited at the Parc des Princes last season as he was in direct competition with wing wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a spot on the left flank. However, he was still able to find the net 13 times and chip in with seven assists as they won Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Real Madrid transfer battle
Lucca Brughmans signed for Liverpool(Image: BRUNO FAHY/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s acquisition of goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans represented a double triumph, given they reportedly saw off interest from Real Madrid to secure the highly-regarded Belgian.
The 18-year-old penned terms with the Reds on transfer deadline day in a £30m agreement before being loaned back to Genk for the remainder of the campaign.
The eye-watering sum made Brughmans the most costly teenage shot-stopper in football history, with many expecting him to be the long-term successor to Alisson Becker, whose Anfield contract runs out next summer.
According to the Mail, the Belgian youth international had visited Madrid and appeared set to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Reds swiftly submitted their proposal to Genk a day before the deadline and arranged for him to travel to Merseyside the next morning to complete his move.
