Not long ago Bradley Barcola saw his progress hit a sudden halt.

After earning praise for securing a starting role at Lyon under Peter Bosz the 20 year old attacker found himself sidelined in the reserves once Laurent Blanc took charge in October 2022.

Reports indicated Barcola nearly moved to Swiss side St Gallen in January 2023 seeking regular minutes until a team mate outburst opened a path back into the squad.

Supporters voiced frustration over poor results and directed anger toward forward Karl Toko Ekambi.

Tensions peaked when the Cameroon striker marched down the tunnel and struck a bin after substitution in a 2-1 home loss to Strasbourg.

Footage spread quickly and Toko Ekambi never featured for Lyon again.

Barcola grasped the chance and started most remaining fixtures that campaign netting five goals one of them the winner against title hopefuls Paris St Germain in April 2023.

Five months after that strike at Parc des Princes he joined PSG.

His reported 38.5 million pound transfer arrived two weeks after Neymar left for Saudi Arabia while Lyon faced table struggles and transfer bans due to finances.

Barcola made his PSG debut back at Lyon and faced boos from home fans after the switch Luis Enrique checked if the young player felt prepared he answered yes entered as substitute and impressed observers.

Nicknamed the grasshopper for his pace agility and lean build Barcola has claimed three Ligue 1 crowns and successive Champions League titles across three seasons in Paris he earned a France call up two years ago and scored three times at the recent World Cup as they reached the semi finals.

Now with Liverpool agreeing a 123 million pound deal Barcola heads to the Premier League.

The route from casual kickabouts on Vaulx en Velin fields east of Lyon to nine figure superstar status included obstacles along the way.

Barcola shows strong ambition and belongs to a group of young French talents ready to grind for self improvement they tackle every task without hesitation.

His family stood beside him from shy days at local side AS Buers Villeurbanne through joining Lyon academy at age eight his debut eleven years later and lifting the Champions League twice with PSG in Budapest last May.

Born Bradley Jean Manuel Essolisam Addo Barcola on 2 September 2002 he has five siblings including brother Malcolm a 27 year old goalkeeper at Ittihad Tanger and for Togo.

Their mother sparked their football passion by attending games and recording the brothers in action.

She rarely gets credit yet she instilled the love for the sport Barcola said in a 2024 Uefa interview while citing idols Cristiano Ronaldo and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

Father Yves valued sport and discipline and gathered the family to review match clips together.

Malcolm recalled weekend trips to the local ground where their father drilled Bradley on shooting and him on goalkeeping they worked well as a pair.

Lyon academy products before Barcola include Karim Benzema multiple Champions League winner with Real Madrid and Ballon d Or recipient Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal FA Cup hero and 2018 World Cup winners Samuel Umtiti plus Corentin Tolisso.

Newer names feature Manchester City attacker Rayan Cherki and Chelsea defender Malo Gusto.

At 17 Barcola scored 11 goals in 17 league games for Lyon under 19s before signing his first pro deal in 2021.

The moment meant everything to the Barcola household.

Throughout his ascent Barcola has stressed family support in staying level headed.

After heavy criticism for missed chances against Newcastle in the Champions League during his first PSG season he leaned on relatives.

My parents and I discuss every issue he told Le Parisien as soon as trouble arises on or off the pitch we address it my older brother helps too when form dips I seek their guidance they tell me straight when I err and praise when deserved I ignore outside noise.

Yves Barcola noted his son viewed the Newcastle backlash as motivation rather than setback he has earned every step through patience and skill.

PSG manager Luis Enrique called Barcola balanced sensible humble hardworking and family oriented after the Newcastle match at Parc he faced unfair criticism yet handled the fallout calmly.

Barcola represents the marquee addition Liverpool supporters sought all summer his price brings expectations yet he adapts fast and already boasts results versus English sides he scored in a 4 2 Champions League victory over Manchester City in January 2025 and found the net in both legs versus Chelsea in last season last 16.

Liverpool and new coach Andoni Iraola note how quickly Barcola settled after his big PSG move he arrived for around 50 million euros after barely one full Ligue 1 season Luis Enrique saw huge potential and backed him fully credit goes to the coach for spotting what others missed Barcola began strongly but later adjusted his dribbling habits after defenders studied his patterns he expanded his skill set and now offers far more than two or three years ago.

Iraola suits Barcola well because the manager excels at player development Barcola remains a work in progress he runs tirelessly yet finishing can improve he will grow under the right guidance just as Ousmane Dembele did years earlier when choices in front of goal needed refinement Barcola shares that trait but will sharpen with Iraola in charge.

Former France under 21 coach Sylvain Ripoll described the forward as endearing and upbeat he may appear reserved yet shows character and decision making on the pitch while bringing unique qualities and a top mindset.

Luis Enrique labeled the 2023 signing a gamble three years later Liverpool hope to strike gold by landing the grasshopper at Anfield.