Liverpool’s £123m signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain is already being questioned by insiders, who argue the winger’s arrival has disrupted the club’s attacking structure. According to trusted sources, Barcola—brought in as part of the club’s long-term succession planning—has forced key players out of their preferred positions, leaving the front line “not making sense” tactically. The criticism comes as Barcola, despite his Ligue 1 title and Champions League pedigree, has yet to register a goal or assist in his first five games for the Reds, while occupying the left wing—a role also sought by players like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez in certain setups.
The concerns extend beyond Barcola’s individual impact. Insiders suggest Liverpool should have targeted a different profile of winger, one better aligned with the club’s current attacking philosophy under Arne Slot. While Barcola’s market valuation reflects his elite status in France, his lack of immediate fit has raised eyebrows. Liverpool’s technical director, Pep Lijnders, has reportedly been vocal about the need for versatility across the front three, and the club’s summer recruitment has been criticised by some observers for prioritising profile over tactical necessity. Barcola’s contract situation at PSG—entering its final phase—had emboldened the French club to consider a sale, with Liverpool now facing scrutiny over whether they overpaid for a player who doesn’t yet align seamlessly with their system.
The fallout from Barcola’s signing is already being felt in the transfer market. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Cody Gakpo’s situation at Anfield, though no formal bid has been lodged and Gakpo remains integral to Slot’s plans. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s decision to sign Barcola over other available wide attackers—some already thriving in the Premier League—has been framed by critics as a miscalculation. The Reds’ summer window was supposed to address their attacking depth, but Barcola’s arrival has instead created a logistical puzzle, with several forwards still searching for their optimal roles.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has not publicly addressed the criticism, but the tactical inconsistencies are hard to ignore. Barcola’s preference for the left wing—where he has excelled for PSG and France—has forced a reshuffle that may not be sustainable long-term. With PSG now open to selling Barcola in future windows and Liverpool’s financial flexibility under pressure from Profit and Sustainability Rules, the club’s summer recruitment is being reassessed. The question now is whether the Reds can adapt before the season progresses too far, or if they’ll be left with a costly experiment that haunts their title ambitions.
