Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Bradley Barcola’s transfer to Liverpool was beneficial for everyone involved, despite the winger’s departure leaving the European champions without one of their most important players from the past two seasons.
“Everyone is a winner,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Thursday, a day before PSG host Monaco in Ligue 1.
Barcola joined Liverpool in a high-profile deal worth an initial €125m (£107m, $145m), with a further €20m available in bonuses. The 24-year-old had not played for PSG at the beginning of the new campaign and wanted a greater role elsewhere.
“He wanted to leave because he wanted to have more importance in the team. And that is something that you have to earn in training. I can't guarantee that to any player.
“He has been a very important player for us, and he is an incredible person. He was liked by his teammates. He still had two years left on his contract, but he decided to leave, and I wish him all the best. We have to accept it.”
Barcola scored 13 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions last season as PSG successfully defended both their UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. He also appeared in every match played by France at the World Cup.
However, his position in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up was not guaranteed, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also competing for a place on the wing.
PSG have responded to Barcola’s departure by signing three attacking players for a combined fee of about €150m. Spain World Cup final hero Ferran Torres has arrived from Barcelona, while Maghnes Akliouche has moved from Monaco and Mika Godts has joined from Ajax.
“I am happy with the three players we have brought in up front. We must not make comparisons. We will see what happens, but I am happy with the transfer window,” said Luis Enrique.
The former Barcelona and Spain manager has also overseen the departures of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who has joined AC Milan, and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has moved to Aston Villa.
Luis Enrique stressed that the newcomers would need “time to adapt” as PSG attempt to find their rhythm domestically. They have drawn their opening two Ligue 1 fixtures against Rennes and Lille.
That uncertain start followed defeat by Lens in the French Champions Trophy. PSG had previously claimed the UEFA Super Cup by beating Aston Villa.
The Paris club will begin their defence of the Champions League at home to Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday. They are seeking a third consecutive triumph in Europe’s leading club competition.
“Our objectives are clear. I have said it many times. I want to win the most important trophies, and there is none bigger than the Champions League,” added Luis Enrique, who is entering his fourth season in charge of PSG.
The match against Monaco comes as the club continues to reshape its attack following Barcola’s move to Liverpool, with Luis Enrique confident the changes can eventually strengthen his squad rather than weaken it.
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