Mohamed Salah is no longer a Liverpool player, and France star Bradley Barcola has been linked with a move to Anfield, but the winger may not be quite ready for full responsibility
00:10, 01 Jul 2026Updated 00:16, 01 Jul 2026
Bradley Barcola scored his second goal at the FIFA World Cup against Sweden
Bradley Barcola scored his second goal at the FIFA World Cup against Sweden(Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto)
Bradley Barcola scored his second goal of the FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32 against Sweden, providing more excitement for Liverpool fans following the ongoing transfer rumors.
After Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring just before halftime, Barcola fired France 2-0 ahead against Sweden shortly after the break. It was his second goal of the tournament after converting against Senegal, and he also assisted in a 4-1 win over Norway.
Liverpool has been linked with Barcola for several months, although Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique is reportedly reluctant to sell. However, fellow Liverpool target Yan Diomande has prioritized PSG, which could lead to Barcola's exit He, though, cannot be the only replacement for Mohamed Salah.
France looks absolutely ruthless at the World Cup this summer, and of the four games I've watched live, it's by far the most complete performance I've seen. From the first hydration break through 90 minutes, it was an onslaught, and Sweden may celebrate only losing 3-0.
The first major chance fell to Barcola, though his effort was lifted over the crossbar from close range. Mbappe then also missed a sitter, somehow striking the left post with the goal gaping.
The frame was rattled moments later by a stunning bicycle kick attempt by Michael Olise, another player who's been on Liverpool's wishlist. However, Bayern Munich has shut down any possibility of him leaving the club.
Michael Olise has been linked with Liverpool but a move is seen as unlikely
Michael Olise has been linked with Liverpool but a move is seen as unlikely(Image: Getty Images)
On the other wing is Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, and it's worth mentioning that he scored a first-half hat-trick in the group finale against Norway. The fact that Barcola is starting in the French attack is encouraging, but he's not yet at his peers' level.
Barcola has speed, intelligence, and quick feet, all the attributes needed for a threat on the wing. However, Liverpool has major shoes to fill this summer after Salah announced he would leave the club, and a new world-class threat is required.
Although Barcola is only 23 and could become a future star, new head coach Andoni Iraola would certainly appreciate a ready-made player to start out wide. If PSG makes him available, then Liverpool should push to sign him, but he can't be tasked with replacing Salah alone.
Barcola scored France's second goal, between a brace from Kylian Mbappe
Barcola scored France's second goal, between a brace from Kylian Mbappe(Image: 2026 Europa Press)
While his goal was a smart finish, and he also looked promising throughout the game, perhaps unfairly, it was Olise, Mbappe, and Dembele who shone brightly. Liverpool has lost several world-class players in recent seasons and has followed the usual model of signing young prospects with growth potential.
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Florian Wirtz cost Liverpool $130 million, and had a poor debut season as he adjusted to life in the Premier League. Alexander Isak also flopped after struggling to stay fit, despite costing $170 million.
Both players are expected to bounce back next season, and Liverpool can't afford another historic summer of spending. But the intent was there to sign Diomande for around $114 million, so another big winger must be targeted.
No matter who replaces Salah on that right wing, they'll be given the love and encouragement from the Liverpool crowd to flourish. Whether the club decides to bank on Barcola as that option remains to be seen.