21 Aug 2026 15:30:36
Is anyone else a little underwhelmed by the anticipated signing of Barcola? I thought be looked lightweight against the better sides in the WC. His stats from the last 3 seasons show a player who either starts as a sub or is substituted in a huge number of games (over 70%). He also threatened to leave Lyon due to a lack of game time. He was a plan B for PSG last season and they are clearly happy to cash in on him.
I wouldn’t be getting carried away!
Like a lot of you, I’m hopeful that Wirtz and Isak can produce the goods having had last season to settle in, and a fit again Bradley and Ekitike would leave us looking much stronger and with many more options. Arsenal’s squad strength and their recent additions puts them way ahead but I thought the same about us this week last year so who knows!
Enjoy the season folks!
21 Aug 2026 16:33:01
Under Iraola, I expect every winger to either be a sub or to be subbed. Most wingers are asked to run themselves into the ground before being replaced with fresh legs.
Barcola is a great player and I wouldn't worry about whether or not he was first choice at PSG.
I do know what you mean about being underwhelmed, though. I am excited about him joining, and I'm sure he will prove to be an excellent signing, but a part of me wishes that we had spent that money on Rayan.
21 Aug 2026 16:33:38
I have a more optimistic outlook on Barcola.
On the point that PSG are happy to cash in, it's because he refused to sign a contract extension as he wants to be first choice, and unfortunately Doue fits better with Enrique's team set up.
He is quick, direct, wants to sniff out goals and, most importantly, our new manager wants him.
I'm looking forward to seeing him with the Liverbird on his chest.
21 Aug 2026 17:24:17
To be fair, OP, most people were underwhelmed when Eric Cantona signed for Leeds & Man United. He didn't do too badly... And, in more recent memory, a certain Mr Salah, when he signed for us, was universally maligned by the Liverpool fan base, and if memory serves me correctly, he's become (arguably) one of the top 5 players in Liverpool's history and 3rd highest goal scorer for our illustrious club.
So let's not write Barcola's post mortem just yet, give the lad a chance and crucify him at the end of the season if warranted. Oh, by the way, Barcola had a very good World Cup, and he was one of the bright sparks of the French team, in my humble opinion. His link-up play was exceptional.
21 Aug 2026 18:24:24
How can you be underwhelmed by Barcola? Have you ever actually seen him play?
21 Aug 2026 19:49:48
Shipley, I don't understand the love for Rayan, especially if it was at the same price as Barcola.
Any Bournemouth games I've seen or all the WC Brazil games, Rayan goes missing for huge periods of time and has a couple of flashes of magic, but I find he doesn't offer enough for the fee he'd cost.
Barcola is a lot more involved in games, both as provider and scorer.