Liverpool secure Barcola as Real Madrid lose the race

Bradley Barcola became Liverpool's second‑most expensive signing ever last month when the club completed his £123 million transfer, edging out Real Madrid in the final stages of the window. The Reds entered the international break having already beaten one of their biggest rivals earlier this month.

Unbeaten start under Andoni Iraola

The Reds have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season across all competitions under Andoni Iraola, sitting sixth in the Premier League after two wins and three draws in their opening five games. The Spaniard guided Liverpool to a 1‑0 victory over his former club Bournemouth in the last match before the break.

Barcola’s early adaptation

Barcola, 24, has yet to score or assist for Liverpool and has not completed a full 90 minutes since his arrival. Former France and Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf, 58, criticised the fee, saying the Frenchman “wasn’t worth that money because nobody is”. He added that fans must be patient as the Premier League offers less space than Barcola enjoyed at PSG.

Leboeuf also noted that Barcola joined a team undergoing significant changes after a difficult transition, with Liverpool having signed Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and new full‑backs during the same period.

Comments from Sport Senior Sports Reporter Fasika Zelealem at 05:00 on 25 Sep 2026 highlighted the transfer battle, noting Liverpool’s “double victory” after also securing teenage goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans for £30 million, a fee that made him the most expensive teenage goalkeeper in history.

The report, posted with View 2 Images, underlined that Liverpool fought off competition from Real Madrid to land the highly‑rated Belgian, who was briefly sent back to Genk for the remainder of the season.

Our Liverpool Facebook page and WhatsApp community continue to share the latest Reds news, with fans encouraged to follow the club’s updates as the team prepares for the next phase of the campaign.