Bradley Barcola can transform Liverpool's attack: Iraola's dream XI revealed

Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with growing confidence at the club that a summer deal can be completed. Barcola has been identified by Liverpool's hierarchy as the priority target for the 2026-27 campaign. The France international's pace and direct running would give the Reds a much-needed threat out wide as they try to compete for the Premier League title in Andoni Iraola's first season at Anfield. He scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 49 matches last season. Barcola would not be a direct stand-in for Mohamed Salah, a Liverpool legend, but he would still add serious quality to the final third. PSG are reportedly asking for €170 million to let him go before Deadline Day. But they are also close to securing AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche and have opened talks with Ajax over Mika Godts, which has strengthened the belief that Barcola will leave the Parc des Princes this summer. Liverpool lead the chase, with Arsenal focusing on a possible move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior instead. Barcola is one of the most dangerous wingers in the game, and his speed could fix a problem that hurt Liverpool throughout last season: a lack of creativity and penetration from wide positions. His habit of running in behind would also benefit Florian Wirtz, who had a difficult first year at Anfield. Wirtz's passing and vision should link well with Barcola's movement. There are still rough edges to Barcola's game in the final third, and that is worth noting given the price. But his natural qualities offer Iraola a strong foundation, and his ability to play on either wing means he could share the flanks with Rio Ngumoha. Victor Munoz and Cody Gakpo provide other options, yet a pairing of Ngumoha and Barcola looks particularly exciting. Both players like to take defenders on, cut inside for a shot or go to the byline, and Iraola would probably try to create a system that gets them in those situations as often as possible. Barcola would mostly play on the left under Iraola, though he has plenty of experience on the right from his time at Lyon and PSG. That flexibility would allow him to switch sides with Ngumoha during games and is one of the main reasons Liverpool are so keen. Liverpool may have had a disappointing 2025-26 season, but the squad remains strong on paper. Bringing in Barcola could supply the attacking spark Iraola needs to move the Reds back into title contention. Predicted Liverpool XI with Barcola: Alisson; Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch; Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.