Bradley Barcola set to wear 'symbolic' unused shirt number at Liverpool that has special meaning
Bradley Barcola is reportedly nearing a £120 million transfer from PSG to Liverpool. The forward is expected to wear the number 29 shirt, a choice inspired by a fictional character from the FIFA video game series.
Why it matters
The transfer represents a significant financial investment for Liverpool and highlights the cultural influence of gaming on modern professional athletes.
Liverpool are close to signing Barcola from PSG.
Bradley Barcola is expected to take a "symbolic" shirt number if his move to Liverpool materialises in the coming days.
It was widely reported on Thursday (August 27) that Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Barcola in a deal worth £120 million.
The 23-year-old forward, who scored 14 goals in all competitions for PSG last season, is set to become Liverpool's second-most expensive signing of all time behind Alexander Isak.
So, which squad number will he take? The number 11 is currently vacant following the departure of Mohamed Salah, while 13, 16, 17, 24, 26 and 27 are all also available for selection.
However, Barcola is expected to take his beloved number 29 shirt and become the first Liverpool player to wear those digits since Arthur Melo during the 2022-23 season.
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