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Bradley Barcola is a man with lofty aspirations. The two-time Champions League champion with Paris Saint-Germain was introduced by Liverpool as the second-costliest acquisition in English football history on Monday, and he wasted no time declaring his intention to conquer the Premier League.
The nimble attacker had been on Liverpool's radar throughout the summer, with a deal valued at up to $166 million (£123 million) finally sealed over the weekend. The announcement provided a welcome lift for the Reds, who have endured back-to-back turbulent 2–2 draws under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Further signings may still be on the horizon, but for now Liverpool can take comfort in landing a seasoned champion hungry for more silverware.
"I hope to accomplish truly great things," Barcola told the club's official website. "First and foremost, winning the Premier League—it's one of the greatest dreams of my life.
"That's what I want to do, and to remain at this club for the long haul—that's why I signed a lengthy contract—and I hope I can make it happen."
Liverpool have agreed to pay an initial $143.5 million for the 23-year-old, with an additional $23 million available in performance-related bonuses described as "easily achievable." That figure trails only Alexander Isak's $170 million transfer to Anfield 12 months prior among the priciest Premier League deals ever, though PSG had originally sought in excess of $196 million.
Nevertheless, as Barcola acknowledged, the path to completing the transfer was far from smooth.
'A Long Time'—Barcola Outlines Winding Road to Anfield
Bradley Barcola is here. pic.twitter.com/xIdexpzoU4
"It took quite a while, but I'm truly delighted today to be playing for Liverpool, and all I want is to get out on that pitch," Barcola said with a grin at his official presentation.
The French international had been widely expected to depart Paris for much of the summer after contract extension talks collapsed. Arsenal were briefly linked with interest, but Liverpool were consistently regarded as his most serious pursuers. Manager Luis Enrique left Barcola as an unused substitute during PSG's UEFA Super Cup triumph over Aston Villa before omitting him from the squad altogether in the early weeks of the new Ligue 1 campaign.
Barcola's move had been a long time in the making, but as he revealed, his admiration for Liverpool goes far deeper than just this summer.
"I had the opportunity to play twice in this stadium and I experienced the atmosphere and how the supporters rallied behind the Liverpool players," the pacy winger explained. "When I learned of Liverpool's interest in me, I didn't hesitate for a moment—I knew straight away it was a massive club for me."
Barcola Chooses 'Symbolic' Liverpool Shirt Number
Our new number... 🤔👀 pic.twitter.com/ww5VrKHIrV
Barcola has opted for Liverpool's No. 29 shirt. While he may or may not have been an admirer of Arthur Melo's ill-fated loan stint wearing those digits, his selection actually traces back to a childhood memory rooted in video games.
"When I was growing up, I used to play FIFA," he told Club Legacyz. "In the story mode featuring Alex Hunter, that number took on a special meaning for me. I told myself: 'The day I turn professional, it'll be No. 29.'
"And here I am—I claimed it, and I'm never giving it up."