Steven Gerrard has given his verdict on Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool edging closer to signing the French superstar from PSG after longstanding interest in the forward
Liverpool legend and TNT Sports pundit Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool legend and TNT Sports pundit Steven Gerrard.(Image: Cameron Smith - The FA via Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says the "incredible" Bradley Barcola can help push Andoni Iraola's side to the next level, with the French forward on the verge of moving to Anfield from PSG.
Barcola is expected to complete a move to Liverpool before the deadline next week, with a breakthrough in negotiations coming last week after a summer saga. PSG has brought in new attackers in the form of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, which has paved the way for an exit.
"Barcola is an incredible talent," Gerrard said on TNT Sports. "He has won two Champions Leagues in the last two years but I don't think he has hit his ceiling yet.
"There is potential and growth there and he can evolve into an even better player. He is the type of player who can take Liverpool to the next level."
Barcola wanted to leave PSG in search of more game time in big matches. Under Luis Enrique, he was often left out of the team in favor of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
While he is a top player, he tends to play from the left - which is something that Jamie Carragher is unsure about when it comes to Liverpool's transfer priorities.
Bradley Barcola gestures
Liverpool are set to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG(Image: Daniela Porcelli, Getty Images)
"I mentioned this a few weeks ago, and I feel like you're being negative, but I got interviewed by sort of Sky, you know, 'Is Barcola the replacement for Salah?' And you're a bit like — it's so obvious that he isn't," Carragher said at the start of the month.
"It's like, I know someone is just asking you the question, but he's a left-winger, and we've already got three.
"Now, I'm not saying they're good enough, and I'm not saying I don't want Barcola, because if we could move (Cody) Gakpo on and bring Barcola in, we've got two young players.
"You've got maybe Rio behind him (Barcola), or maybe Rio could go to the right.
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"But in Liverpool's last preseason game, it almost looked like a first-choice XI, really, when you looked at the team. The right-winger was the young lad Koumas. I mean, not even what you'd call a squad player right now.
"Now, he might be that next season, but almost like a young kid. You're thinking, it stands out that much that Liverpool haven't got a right-winger. You're thinking, 'How has this happened?'"
Liverpool.com says: Barcola will be an excellent addition for the Reds, but they still need more. Adding another player on top of the Frenchman would make a transformational impact.