Bradley Barcola has been told he needs time to adapt to the Premier League after his $164 million Liverpool transfer, with Frank Leboeuf also warning the Reds not to compare him to Mohamed Salah
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
Alexander Isak has discussed Bradley Barcola's pace at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images))
Liverpool have been informed that they overpaid for Bradley Barcola owing to the "astronomical" surge in transfer fees — and that fellow new arrival Jeremy Jacquet should be afforded time to find his feet.
Barcola became potentially the second most expensive signing in Reds history upon his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain last month, in a deal that could ultimately reach £123million.
The 24 year old is yet to complete a full 90 minutes in a Liverpool shirt as he works to build his match fitness, having missed the entirety of pre-season. Former Chelsea and France centre-back Frank Lebouef believes the winger will require a settling-in period following his high-profile transfer.
"Bradley Barcola wasn't worth that money because nobody is, transfer fees have become astronomical across the board," said Lebouef, via the Liverpool Echo. "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 brought in to help plug the gap left by Mohamed Salah, who departed Anfield in the summer after nine years and an extraordinary 257 goals in 442 appearances. Leboeuf went on to say: "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.
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match against Bournemouth
Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of the transfer window(Image: Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
"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 completed his £60m transfer to Liverpool from Rennes during the summer window, quickly establishing himself as first-choice centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk with performances impressive enough to secure his maiden France senior squad selection under newly appointed head coach Zinedine Zidane..
Speaking to Mr Gamble, Leboeuf continued: "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. ". 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: "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."