Bradley Barcola's career stalled at Lyon under Laurent Blanc in late 2022, with a move to St Gallen looming. A turning point arrived when team-mate Karl Toko Ekambi stormed off after being substituted, kicking a bin and never playing for Lyon again. Barcola seized his chance, scoring five goals including a winner at Paris St-Germain in April 2023.

Five months later, he joined PSG for a reported £38.5m following Neymar's departure. His debut came back at Lyon, where he was booed but impressed Luis Enrique as a substitute. Nicknamed the 'grasshopper' for his speed and agility, Barcola has won three Ligue 1 titles and back-to-back Champions Leagues in three seasons.

He debuted for France two years ago, scoring three times at this summer's World Cup as they reached the semi-finals. Now Liverpool have agreed a £123m deal. His journey began in Vaulx-en-Velin, east of Lyon, playing for AS Buers Villeurbanne before joining Lyon's academy at eight.

Born Bradley Jean-Manuel Essolisam Addo Barcola on 2 September 2002, he has five siblings including brother Malcolm, 27, a goalkeeper for Ittihad Tanger and Togo. Their mother fostered their passion, filming matches, while father Yves instilled a strong work ethic reviewing footage together.