Luis Enrique confirms Barcola joined Liverpool seeking guaranteed PSG role

Luis Enrique has confirmed Bradley Barcola left Paris Saint-Germain for Liverpool because the France winger wanted a bigger guaranteed role, with the £123 million package including add-ons taking him from Parc des Princes to Anfield.

Key takeaways

• Barcola, 23, was not named in any PSG matchday squad this season and played no pre-season minutes.
• The winger produced 13 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances in all competitions last term.
• His PSG record stands at 39 goals from 152 matches following his move from Lyon.
• Liverpool have begun their Premier League campaign with draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
• PSG have added Ferran Torres, Lucas Digne, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche during the summer window.

Enrique accepts Barcola departure

Enrique said Barcola had developed significantly after arriving from Lyon and had made a major contribution to the Paris side. But the PSG coach could not promise the attacker the increased minutes and centrality in the team that he was seeking.

“He wanted a more significant place in the side and more playing time,” Enrique said. “That cannot be guaranteed to anyone. Players have to earn it on the training ground and in games.”

The Spaniard stressed that Barcola remained a well-liked figure among his PSG team-mates, describing the exit as difficult because of the player’s character. Enrique added that departures of important players are part of football and said he wished the winger well.

Liverpool will now look to integrate Barcola as they attempt to find early-season momentum after those two opening league stalemates. The move gives the Anfield club another high-profile attacking option, while PSG begin the campaign without a player who had become increasingly prominent in Paris.

PSG back rebuilt squad and Ballon d’Or contenders

Enrique believes PSG have handled Barcola’s departure strongly in the market. Ferran Torres has arrived from Barcelona, Digne has joined from Aston Villa, while Ajax winger Godts and Monaco midfielder Akliouche have also been brought in.

The PSG manager said the club had completed an “exceptional” transfer window and insisted he was pleased with the group now available to compete on every front.

Enrique also played down the importance of individual awards when discussing the Ballon d’Or, despite identifying several PSG players with major honours behind them. He pointed to Champions League winners within his squad, Fabian Ruiz’s World Cup success and Ousmane Dembele as examples of the talent at the club.

“I may be wrong with my prediction,” Enrique said, “but individual awards do not interest me because this is a team sport.”