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"We absolutely need to bring in a winger," Andoni Iraola stated confidently at one of his opening press conferences as Liverpool's new head coach. And he's absolutely right.
Despite a record-setting expenditure last summer — which included costly additions in attacking positions — Liverpool already find themselves desperately short of firepower out wide. A dismal 2025–26 season has amplified the need for higher-caliber wide forwards, a concern made worse by Mohamed Salah's exit.
The Reds have taken some steps toward addressing the issue. 23-year-old Victor Muñoz has arrived for $46 million, but the promising Spaniard will require time to settle into a new league and still has limited top-level experience. Liverpool's problem remains far from resolved.
Iraola's wishes cannot be ignored if the Merseysiders are to make an impact in his first season in charge. Liverpool don't simply need a winger — they need a proven elite performer.
That's precisely where Bradley Barcola enters the picture. Liverpool need look no further than the outstanding Paris Saint-Germain winger to find their answer.
Liverpool's Underwhelming Wide Options
Why do Liverpool require a new wide player after recruiting four forwards over the past two seasons? A quick look at their current squad tells the whole story.
Alongside new signing Muñoz, Iraola has only three dedicated wingers available. While Florian Wirtz can play on the left flank and the returning Harvey Elliott can also feature out wide — if he has a long-term future at the club — only Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Federico Chiesa are truly regarded as natural wingers.
Chiesa looks set to leave Anfield this summer following an unremarkable two-year spell, leaving only Gakpo and Ngumoha. The former heads into the new campaign after a disappointing club season, while the latter is just 17 years old. Ngumoha is a remarkable talent — perhaps once-in-a-generation — but placing excessive expectations on him next season would be unfair.
Another potential wide option, Hugo Ekitiké, could be sidelined until 2027 through injury, meaning Liverpool are stretched not only on the wings but also through the center-forward position. Action in the transfer market is essential to prevent a crisis.
Barcola: An Irresistible Force
Barcola requires little introduction after a string of brilliant seasons at PSG, and Liverpool are already well-acquainted with his abilities. Their interest in the Frenchman is no secret, and he is firmly among their top targets — provided they can fund such a costly deal, one likely to exceed $135 million.
After a relatively quiet debut campaign with PSG in 2022–23, Barcola burst onto the scene. Luis Enrique has provided him with the precise guidance needed to flourish at the highest level, as demonstrated by his 50 goal contributions across the last two seasons. France has equally reaped the rewards of that growth, with some outstanding World Cup displays this summer.
The 23-year-old is the genuine article, possessing the pace, dribbling quality, and clinical instinct that define the ideal modern winger. Barcola can cut inside and shoot, but is equally capable of driving to the byline and delivering a precise cross. That versatility makes him a nightmare for fullbacks, and, perhaps most excitingly, there is still room to grow.
Barcola has played a key role in consecutive Champions League and Ligue 1 triumphs, whether starting for Enrique or coming off the bench to change games. Without the ball, he puts in a full shift — as every player must in this current PSG setup — regularly tracking back to cover the attack-minded Nuno Mendes or Achraf Hakimi.
He is the complete package and an ideal match for Iraola's high-pressing style.
Possible Availability
Barcola's quality is beyond question, but his availability is far less clear. At present, PSG are understandably reluctant to let him go as they aim to preserve a lethal attacking unit — but that stance could shift before long.
PSG appear to be leading the race for highly-coveted RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is also on the radar of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The Parisians are equally interested in Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche — another player reportedly linked with Liverpool.
Should the European champions land Diomande or Akliouche, Barcola's situation in Paris becomes increasingly difficult. The Frenchman is already fourth in the pecking order behind Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué. The arrival of one or two more rivals would only eat further into his playing time.
In that scenario, Barcola may push for a move in search of a more central role elsewhere. Liverpool could offer him exactly that, though they face fierce competition from Arsenal and, almost certainly, other major European clubs.
Barcola's hefty price tag could deter Liverpool from pursuing a deal, particularly if PSG dig their heels in. However, should the player signal his intent to leave, a negotiated transfer may become possible.
A Dream Attacking Unit
On paper, Liverpool could assemble a truly formidable attacking lineup next season.
Iraola has consistently deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his time in England, and there is little indication he will deviate from that at Anfield. Barcola, if acquired, could operate from either flank, though he seems most likely to feature on the right as a natural successor to Salah.
Ekitiké's injury does present an early headache for Iraola, but once the 24-year-old is back to full fitness, he could well be deployed as a left winger — despite his ability to lead the line. Reports suggest Liverpool see him as a wide option in the long run, a role he has filled regularly before and was set to reprise for France at the World Cup before suffering an Achilles rupture.
Alexander Isak is viewed as Liverpool's primary striker, and despite a difficult debut season, confidence in the Premier League-record signing remains. A strong World Cup showing with Sweden provides encouragement that he can rediscover his Newcastle United form.
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Behind Isak, either Florian Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai would operate in the No. 10 role. The former endured a tough first year at Anfield and must step up considerably, though the expectation remains that he will thrive in Iraola's attack-minded system. Should he fall short, the reliably excellent Szoboszlai will undoubtedly fill the void.
The prospect of adding Barcola to an attack already featuring Isak, Ekitiké, Wirtz, and Szoboszlai — alongside emerging talents like Muñoz and Ngumoha — is an enormously thrilling thought for Liverpool fans.