Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola before the transfer deadline, with Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stating the winger wanted a more important role that the French club could not guarantee him
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 03: Luis Enrique answering to journalists during press conference before Monaco at Campus PSG on September 03, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joachim Azouze/PSG via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique(Image: Getty Images)
Luis Enrique has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain was unable to promise Bradley Barcola the more prominent role within the squad that he sought prior to his move to Liverpool.
Barcola, 24, featured in 49 matches across all competitions last season for PSG, yet failed to start any of their Champions League fixtures from the quarter-finals onwards. On the occasions the winger did start, he completed the full 90 minutes in just eight matches.
The cumulative effect of those substitute appearances restricted him to just under 3,000 minutes of football. By way of comparison, Barcola managed barely 100 more minutes than Hugo Ekitike, who missed Liverpool's final six matches of the season through injury.
Both future France internationals joined PSG during the same transfer window — Enrique's first since taking charge as head coach, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Casting his mind back over Barcola's spell in the French capital, which concluded exactly three years to the day it began, the Spanish coach remarked: "He has grown immensely in Paris since his arrival from Lyon. Furthermore, he has greatly improved the team with his performance.
"His desire was to play a more important role in the side, something I could not guarantee him. Ultimately, I believe everyone benefits from this situation. I accept it and wish him all the best."
ANFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Bradley Barcola of Liverpool at Anfield on August 31, 2026 in Anfield, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola completed his move to Liverpool before the transfer deadline(Image: Getty Images)
Barcola shed light on his initial conversations with new Reds head coach Andoni Iraola during his first interview with the club, saying: "Here, I was able to talk to him several times.
"And he told me that my quality brought a real plus to this team and that he was counting on me, that he had confidence in me. That's what made me want to join this team.
"Because when you have the confidence of a coach, you can only be good on the pitch. So, it's a very good thing to play with such a good coach."
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Discussing the acquisition during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Iraola commented: "We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position.
"I think he has also come with the right mentality. I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here, and I think that's a good first sign.
"Being the player that he is and the things that he has won recently, I think he has also come with the willingness to help us. I'm very happy with him."