Former Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef has delivered his verdict on Liverpool's two new France internationals
Liverpool duo Jeremy Jacquet and Bradley Barcola in action for Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain respectively in 2025
Liverpool duo Jeremy Jacquet and Bradley Barcola in action for Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain respectively in 2025(Image: Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have been told they paid over the odds for Bradley Barcola due to the "astronomical" increase in transfer fees - and should give fellow new signing Jeremy Jacquet time to develop.
Barcola became potentially the second-most expensive player in Reds history when arriving from Paris Saint-Germain last month in a deal that could eventually cost £123million.
The 24-year-old is yet to play a full 90 minutes for Liverpool as he builds up his match sharpness having not played throughout pre-season.
And former Chelsea and France centre-back Frank Lebouef believes it will take time for the winger to adapt following his big-money move.
"Bradley Barcola wasn’t worth that money because nobody is, transfer fees have become astronomical across the board," said Lebouef. "That said, it's a great opportunity for Barcola to play for clubs like Lyon, PSG and now Liverpool.
"However, he needs time to adapt because the Premier League is different. He will get less space than he had at PSG under Luis Enrique.
"He joined a team undergoing significant changes after a difficult transition. Liverpool signed Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and new full-backs and the team is still finding its rhythm."
Barcola has been signed to help fill the void left by Mohamed Salah, who left the club in the summer after nine years and 257 in 442 appearances.
And Leboeuf added: "Please don’t compare Barcola to Mohamed Salah. Salah had his own journey, struggling at Chelsea, building up at Roma and eventually flourishing at Liverpool in a different team environment. Comparing different generations or team contexts is unfair.
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"The players Salah had around him were different from the squad Barcola is playing with now. Liverpool also needs key midfielders like (Ryan) Gravenberch and (Alexis) Mac Allister to regain their best form. When those players aren't at their peak, it makes things harder for the entire forward line."
Jacquet arrived at Liverpool earlier in the summer in a £60m deal from Rennes, and swiftly emerged as first-choice centre-back partner to skipper Virgil van Dijk by showing form that has earned him a debut France senior national team call-up under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
And speaking to Mr Gamble, Leboeuf added: "I watched his first few games for Liverpool and he looks promising. Learning alongside Virgil van Dijk will help him immensely.
"His national team call-up will boost his confidence further. He is strong, technically sound and understands modern defensive duties well. It looks like a great signing.
"Let's give him time to develop. Wesley Fofana looked exceptional at Leicester before injuries impacted his momentum, so young defenders need consistent game time without excessive pressure.
"So far, Jacquet has done very well. I really like the guy."