Here’s why Liverpool won’t be signing any more players after the Bradley Barcola deal announcement
Liverpool have finally announced the signing of Bradley Barcola, the former Paris Saint-Germain star, but there’s a little bit of mixed news too.
After a long wait, the big transfer saga of the 2026/27 summer is over, with Liverpool confirming their top target, Barcola. He’s joining from French champions PSG for up to £123 million—£106 million upfront plus £17 million in possible add-ons.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at Anfield until 2031. He’s the fifth new player this summer, joining forward Victor Munoz and defenders Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Liverpool fans will be excited to have Barcola on board, but it looks like he might be the last signing this summer due to Premier League rules. Clubs can register up to 25 senior players, but only 17 can be non-homegrown.
A homegrown player is one who spent at least three full seasons with an English or Welsh club before turning 21. Under-21 players don’t count towards this limit.
With Barcola’s arrival, Liverpool have reached their 17 non-homegrown player limit. This means any future signings would need to be balanced by players leaving the club.
Still, players like Ismalia Sarr, Yankuba Minteh, or another exciting winger could arrive if someone like Cody Gakpo decides to leave. Gakpo, who has scored and assisted in Liverpool’s first few games, is reportedly in talks to join Manchester City for around £85 million.
If goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, linked with Nottingham Forest, leaves before the window closes, Liverpool could also bring in another non-homegrown player.
On the bright side, Jeremie Frimpong is considered homegrown thanks to his time at Manchester City, and young players like Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni don’t count towards the senior player limit.
Even with the non-homegrown limit in place, Liverpool fans shouldn’t lose excitement about signing Barcola. In his first interview as a Liverpool player, the winger said he’s thrilled to join.
“It’s a great pride to play for Liverpool. I’m very happy,” Barcola told the club’s media. “It took a long time, but today I’m really happy to be part of Liverpool. All I want is to play and be on the pitch. I hope to achieve big things. Winning the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams. That’s why I signed a long contract—I want to stay here and do great things.”
Barcola could make his debut as soon as Friday night (September 4) when Liverpool face Ipswich Town at Portman Road.