Bradley Barcola is ready to wear a special, unused shirt number at Liverpool that holds a meaningful story.
Bradley Barcola is likely to pick a special shirt number if his move to Liverpool goes through in the next few days.
On Thursday (August 27), it was reported that Liverpool have agreed in principle with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Barcola for around £120 million. The 23-year-old forward scored 14 goals in all competitions for PSG last season and is set to become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing after Alexander Isak.
So, what number will he wear? The number 11 is free since Mohamed Salah left, and numbers 13, 16, 17, 24, 26, and 27 are also open. But Barcola is expected to choose his favorite number 29, making him the first Liverpool player to wear it since Arthur Melo in the 2022-23 season.
You might wonder why 29? In an interview with French magazine Club Legacyz last year, Barcola shared the story behind his choice. When he was younger, he played FIFA and followed a character named Alex Hunter from FIFA’s ‘The Journey’ mode, who wore number 29. Barcola thought, “When I go pro, that will be my number.” And now that he is a pro, he wants to keep that number forever.
Barcola also explained his goal celebration. He often points his fingers to the sky, saying, “Every player celebrates differently. For me, it’s to thank God for everything He’s given me. It’s my way of honoring Him every time I score.”
Ahead of Liverpool’s game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, head coach Andoni Iraola stayed cautious about Barcola’s possible signing. He said, “We’re trying to sign someone for that position but can’t talk about players who aren’t ours yet. We want to improve and fill that spot because we don’t have enough players. I hope we have good news soon, but we’re not there yet.”
Iraola added, “I don’t know what will happen. I have to be patient. When September 2 comes, we’ll see who’s here and then we can start planning. I know what I want, the club knows too. It’s about closing the deals. We need players on the wings, and if we can strengthen other areas, we will. But I’m unsure how the market will end.”
He finished by saying, “I have to be patient, just like you. It’s tough because of all the uncertainties. In a few days, we’ll know more and can make proper plans.”