EXCLUSIVE: Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson spoke about Bradley Barcola, Andoni Iraola's first season at Anfield, and the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says "special" Bradley Barcola would be the ideal signing for the Reds this summer — with Andoni Iraola's men being backed to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again.
Taking over from Arne Slot this summer, Iraola still needs a couple more signings to complete his squad, and the transfer clock is ticking. But Johnson is confident that Barcola will prove to be the ideal addition if a deal can be agreed with PSG.
"I think Barcola is worth every penny they need to pay to get it over the line," Johnson told Liverpool.com. "Of course, it’s a lot of money, but some players are worth it, and he is special. I have been excited about Liverpool signing him ever since the first contact between the clubs; he’s a player who really changes the dynamic of the team.
"The fee is high, but as we’ve seen this window, you need to spend that kind of money to secure a player of that caliber, and I think he’ll be worth every penny.
"We’ve even seen £100M secure average players this window, and he’s one of the best players in his role at the moment. Barcola will get fans off their seat, in the same way that Mohamed Salah did. I think it looks like a good deal."
Meanwhile, there has been some speculation about Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid this week, with Jose Mourinho having taken over. But Johnson is adamant that Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to return to Merseyside after leaving in 2025.
"I’m not sure how the fans would receive that move," Johnson says. "I can’t imagine they’d be too happy with it, to be honest, especially if Liverpool had to pay a fee for a local lad who left the club for free 12 months ago.
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola takes part in a training session on August 11, 2026, the eve of the UEFA Supercup football match between Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool remains in pursuit of Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty Images)
"Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the fans would warm back up to him after a while, but I don’t think he’s the same player as he was at Liverpool a year or two ago.
"He’s been a shadow of himself on the pitch since he left Liverpool, and if he’d been great, Real Madrid wouldn’t be letting him go. I wouldn’t re-sign him if I was making the decisions at Liverpool."
Ronald Araujo arrived as an extra option who can play at right-back this week, with Conor Bradley still out injured, and Johnson says Liverpool looks well placed to compete again next term.
"I think a first season for a new manager is always tough to judge, but Andoni Iraola will be looking to improve the way Liverpool play on the pitch," Johnson, speaking on behalf of SeatPin, says.
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"Placing higher in the Premier League and competing for domestic trophies will be the goal this season. I think it has the potential to be a great bounce-back season for Liverpool.
"I’m not saying they’re going to win the league. However, I would like to think they will be competitive this season, right on the tails of Arsenal and Man City, waiting to capitalize on their mistakes.
"Liverpool has to get off to a fast start. Whoever wins the league this season, they won’t lose many games, so coming out of the gates fast is very important for Liverpool.
"There will be challenges for both the team and the manager this season, and they would snap your hand off if you offered them a top four this season right now."