Sports · Soccer · published 2026-08-27 · via The Athletic

Barcola's steady ascent culminates in Liverpool agreement

The 23-year-old PSG winger, who developed through Lyon's academy, has agreed in principle to join Liverpool after a summer of interest from Arsenal. Former Lyon coach Peter Bosz recalled Barcola as a quiet but dedicated player, contrasting him with the more outspoken Rayan Cherki. Barcola's path was gradual, never playing above his age group, yet he has become a two-time Champions League winner.

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Barcola joined Lyon's academy at age eight after starting at local club Buers in Villeurbanne. His older brother Malcolm, a goalkeeper four years his senior, also came through the academy and now plays for IR Tanger in Morocco and the Togo national side. In Lyon's youth setup, Barcola was teammates with Rayan Cherki, Malo Gusto, and Castello Lukeba, though he was never considered the standout prospect.

His development was gradual. He never played above his age group, and his nickname "la sauterelle" (the grasshopper

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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Bradley Barcola: The patience and perseverance behind his inexorable rise to the top.” Browse more stories.