Bradley Barcola faces pressure at Liverpool as Real Madrid eye ex‑star

Bradley Barcola completed a £123 million move to Liverpool this summer, yet after five appearances he has yet to register a goal or assist, prompting Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to caution the French winger that his finishing must improve if he is to win over the Anfield faithful.

Summer overhaul and unbeaten start

The lengthy international break gave LIVERPOOL a chance to reflect on the season so far. The summer saw the Reds undergo a bout of surgery on their squad, which has produced a solid, if unspectacular, unbeaten start to the new campaign. The report was filed by Chris Burns, Senior Sports Writer for SPORT.

Barcola's start and Real Madrid interest

Andoni Iraola’s marquee signing in the final third was French winger Bradley Barcola, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. The World Cup star has made five appearances but has not contributed a goal or an assist, leaving the Reds’ supporters eager for a quicker impact. The Reds’ fans are watching closely as the £123 million investment begins to shape expectations.

“People forget that the tactic, the team and how you play matters,” Henry told Betway. “He just arrived in Liverpool, he doesn’t speak English, and it’s a different style of play with different intensity in the league.” He added that Barcola’s finishing is “a bit raw” but that the player “creates a hell of a lot” and must deliver quickly given his price tag.

Arsenal and Aston Villa battle for Real Madrid prodigy Endrick

According to SPORT, Real Madrid have declared an interest in former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah. The England‑born centre‑back left the club for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 for £30 million.

Arsenal reportedly bid £55 million for Quansah, but the German side retained him, inserting a £70 million buy‑back clause that would allow Liverpool to re‑sign the player for £52 million if they act before 15 June 2027. View 3 Images.

Real Madrid are said to be scouting at least two new defenders for next summer, meaning Quansah could become the third ex‑Liverpool player to join Los Blancos after Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander‑Arnold. Should the move materialise, Liverpool would still hold a buy‑back option, keeping the defender’s future linked to Anfield.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.