Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Bradley Barcola is built for the physical demands of the Premier League and will adjust much quicker than Florian Wirtz. The French international attacker joined the Merseyside club in a massive £123 million ($166 million) transfer during the summer of 2026, marking another heavy offensive investment for the Reds.
Replacing the legendary Salah is a major challenge
A year ago, Liverpool committed £116 million ($157 million) to acquire Wirtz, alongside a club-record £125 million ($169 million) deal for Swedish forward Alexander Isak. Now, the club has once again spent heavily to sign Barcola from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
The pressure is on for the newcomer to make an immediate impact. Liverpool desperately need creativity on the flanks following the departure of Mohamed Salah. The iconic Egyptian attacker scored 257 goals during his trophy-laden nine-year tenure at Anfield, winning the PFA Player of the Year award three times.
Barcola searches for his first decisive moment in red
At 24 years old, Barcola has the blend of experience and raw potential required to fill the void on the Mersey, primarily operating from his preferred position on the left wing.
Manager Andoni Iraola has integrated the talented Frenchman gradually. Barcola made his debut off the bench against Ipswich before playing 60 minutes as a starter in a European encounter against Atletico Madrid. The expectation is that his first goal contribution for his new club is just around the corner.
Will the £123m signing thrive in the English top flight?
While Liverpool hoped Isak and Wirtz would immediately light up Anfield, both have struggled under the weight of their massive price tags. Will Barcola fare better carrying his own nine-figure valuation?
Addressing his adaptation to English football, Pennant shared his belief that Barcola’s physical profile makes him a natural fit. While every newcomer faces a learning curve in such a competitive league, Barcola possesses the ideal attributes. His combination of explosive speed and impressive strength for his build provides a strong foundation.
Comparing him to other high-profile signings, Pennant noted that playing on the wing offers more freedom than central roles. While Wirtz must battle physical midfielders in congested central areas, Barcola can exploit space out wide, where the physical battles are less punishing. Early glimpses of the Frenchman in action suggest he is adjusting well.
Liverpool look ahead to their upcoming clash with Fulham
Liverpool cannot afford a slow start from Barcola, given the massive financial and tactical faith placed in him. He is expected to quickly become a driving force in the team’s frontline.
While transitioning from dominant sides like PSG and the French national team takes time, this new challenge represents a massive opportunity. Following consecutive victories domestically and in Europe, Liverpool return to league action this Saturday, hosting Fulham and former Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa at Anfield.
