SBOTOP : Bradley Barcola Left Out by PSG, and Liverpool Fans Have Every Reason to Pay Attention

Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after the Frenchman was left unused in a high-profile European fixture.

The 23-year-old watched from the bench as PSG defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in the European Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Barcola’s omission immediately raised questions about his position at PSG. The winger has been heavily linked with Liverpool throughout the summer, and his latest situation could give the Reds more reason to believe a deal is possible.

PSG secured their second consecutive European trophy after goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue helped them overcome Aston Villa.

Yet the biggest talking point for Liverpool supporters was not necessarily the result. It was the fact that Barcola failed to make it onto the pitch despite Luis Enrique using all five substitutions.

Barcola Left on the Bench Despite Five Substitutions

Luis Enrique had plenty of opportunities to involve Barcola during the match.

The PSG manager used his entire allocation of five substitutions, bringing on Ousmane Dembele, Lucas Hernandez, Fabian Ruiz, Senny Mayulu and Lucas Beraldo.

Barcola, however, remained an unused substitute.

That decision was particularly interesting given the winger’s importance and his growing reputation in European football.

It would be too early to conclude that Barcola has fallen out of favour with Enrique. A single match does not necessarily determine a player’s future.

However, with Liverpool reportedly monitoring his situation closely, the decision has naturally created more transfer speculation.

For the Reds, the situation is worth watching because Barcola fits several qualities they are believed to be looking for in their attack:

1. Pace and direct running
2. Ability to play from the left wing
3. Technical quality in one-on-one situations
4. Youth and long-term potential
5. Experience at the highest European level

Those qualities could make him an attractive addition to Liverpool’s new-look attack.

PSG President Refuses to Guarantee Barcola’s Future

The speculation became even more interesting after PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifiaddressed Barcola’s future following the European Super Cup.

Speaking to French broadcaster Canal Plus, Al-Khelaifi did not completely rule out the possibility of the winger leaving Parc des Princes.

“We are working calmly and do not talk too much. I cannot say whether he will leave or not,” Al-Khelaifi said.

He then added:

“Today, he is still a PSG player. We will see what happens!”

Those comments are unlikely to calm the transfer rumours.

A firm statement that Barcola is not for sale would have sent a very different message. Instead, Al-Khelaifi left the door open, even though he made it clear that Barcola remains a PSG player for now.

For Liverpool, that distinction matters.

The Reds will still need to negotiate directly with PSG and convince the French club to accept their valuation. But the absence of a definitive commitment from the PSG president could encourage Liverpool to continue pushing.

Liverpool Preparing a Major Offer

Liverpool are reportedly treating Barcola as one of their main targets during the summer transfer window.

The Reds are believed to be actively negotiating with PSG as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer deadline.

A successful move would represent a major statement from Liverpool as Andoni Iraola begins his first season in charge.

Rather than simply replacing one player with another, Liverpool would be investing in a young attacker who could become an important part of the club’s future.

Barcola’s potential arrival would also come at a significant moment for the squad.

Barcola Could Help Replace Salah

One of the biggest reasons Liverpool are interested in Barcola is the departure of Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian forward has left Anfield and joined Trabzonspor during the summer, leaving a major gap in Liverpool’s attacking unit.

Replacing Salah’s production and influence was never going to be straightforward. The club therefore needs more than a short-term solution.

Barcola could provide Liverpool with a different profile while still operating in the area where Salah often had a major impact.

The French winger would likely be given the opportunity to establish himself on the left side of the attack, where his speed and direct style could add another dimension to Iraola’s system.

At 23, he would also have plenty of time to develop into a long-term star at Anfield.

Why Liverpool’s Pursuit Could Get Interesting

There are still several obstacles before Barcola can become a Liverpool player.

The biggest issue remains the transfer fee.

PSG have little reason to sell cheaply, particularly when dealing with a club that is reportedly willing to make a significant investment. Liverpool must therefore find a financial agreement that satisfies both sides.

Barcola himself would also need to be convinced that Liverpool is the right destination for his career.

Nevertheless, the latest developments have given the Reds reasons to remain optimistic.

The combination of Barcola’s unused status in an important PSG match, Al-Khelaifi’s refusal to guarantee his future and Liverpool’s reported interest has created an intriguing situation.

Liverpool Must Move Quickly

The summer transfer window is entering an important stage, and Liverpool cannot afford to wait indefinitely if Barcola is genuinely their preferred target.

The Reds need attacking reinforcements after Salah’s departure, while Iraola will want his squad settled as quickly as possible.

A potential deal now depends heavily on negotiations with PSG.

For the moment, Barcola remains a PSG player. But the winger’s uncertain situation has certainly caught Liverpool’s attention.

If the Reds can reach an agreement with the French champions, Barcola could soon become one of the most exciting additions to Liverpool’s new era under Iraola.

The next move may belong to Liverpool.