Bradley Barcola may fit Liverpool's style amid transfer interest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 7:55 AM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz. Data suggests Barcola's playing style closely mirrors Diaz’s, with an impressive 9.83 expected goals last season, one of the highest for wingers in top leagues. His ability to attack defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities is highlighted by a notable average of 2.06 shot-ending carries per 90 minutes. Liverpool's recruitment team values Barcola's pressing and defensive work, as he ranked ninth in possessions won in the final third. The move aligns with the tactical demands expected under manager Andoni Iraola.
- •Barcola's output resembles Luis Diaz's, with a similarity rating of 78%.
- •He averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1.
- •Barcola ranked ninth for possessions won in the final third last season.
- •Liverpool aims to strengthen their squad as transfer interest develops.
- 7:55 AMYahoo Sports — What strengths might Barcola bring to Anfield?
"At first glance, Bradley Barcola looks like the natural successor to Luis Diaz, with the underlying data suggesting the Paris St-Germain forward could fill that void. Opta's player similarity model rates the Frenchman as the winger whose output most closely resembled Diaz's across Europe's top five leagues in 2025-26 (78%), with Mohamed Salah (65%), Lamine Yamal (61%) and Vinicius Junior (61%) the next closest matches. Barcola is a left winger by trade, having played almost all of his Champions League minutes for PSG on that flank, but his game is shaped by a centre-forward's instincts.
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