France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has challenged Bradley Barcola to "raise his level mentally" to become a success at Liverpool after the Reds paid Paris Saint-Germain £123 million ($164 million) for the forward

World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has challenged Bradley Barcola to "raise his level mentally" if he is to fulfill his potential at Liverpool.

The Reds made Barcola the second most expensive signing in the club's history when they splashed out £123 million ($164 million) to Paris Saint-Germain for the French international toward the end of August, and his hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League last week means he has now netted three goals in six appearances for his new side.

Barcola had found himself slipping down the pecking order at PSG following the January 2025 arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and subsequently a trio of summer recruits in Mika Godts, Maghnes Akilouche and Ferran Torres.

The winger arrived at a Merseyside club in the midst of a transitional period, following the high-profile departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, as well as the appointment of new head coach Andoni Iraola.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea stalwart Petit warns that competition for places in Liverpool's attacking ranks is intense.

Petit, who famously netted in France's 3-0 triumph over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final in Paris, believes Barcola must demonstrate he can cement a regular starting berth at Anfield.

"I really like Barcola as a person and a player," Petit told Betfred.

"Liverpool's a new club for him, and he has to adapt. It takes weeks to adapt yourself to a new club and a new style of football.

"At PSG, he lost his position as soon as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came to the club.

"And I was happy to see him score goals for Liverpool in the Champions League, as that will give him confidence when linking up with his teammates.

"But in the meantime, he needs to raise his level mentally every single game."

Petit added: "At PSG, he was frustrated that he lost his place in the starting 11, and it worked for him sometimes when he came off the bench.

"But now he's at another top club with Liverpool, and he has to compete for his place and fight for it."

Barcola is widely anticipated to be named in the starting line-up when the Reds welcome high-flying Brighton to Anfield on Sunday.