When Liverpool announced the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, many fans saw it as a potentially game-changing purchase.

Only 24 years old, Barcola was one of Paris Saint-Germain and France’s most exciting attacking players.

Although the Reds had to pay an eye-watering £123 million, many regarded the hefty transfer fee as the going rate for an elite-level player with the potential to challenge for the Ballon d’Or one day.

"It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play," Barcola said after completing his big-money move to Anfield at the end of the summer transfer window.

"I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League - it's one of my biggest dreams in my life.

"It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term - that's why I signed a long contract – and I hope I can do it."

While Barcola has shown glimpses of his qualities during his opening few months at Liverpool - most notably a hat-trick in a 6-3 win over LASK in October - it’s been a largely inauspicious start to life on Merseyside for the Frenchman.

Barcelona has provided two assists in seven Premier League appearances but is still seeking his first league goal for his new employers.

Media's Reaction to Barcola vs Fenerbahce

He’s struggled to impose himself in most of his early Liverpool appearances, including during Wednesday night’s 3-2 defeat away at Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in the Champions League.

“Virtually anonymous in that centre-forward role that is unfamiliar to him,” the Liverpool Echo wrote after handing Barcola a 4/10 rating. “Glanced one header wide. Moved wide with 25 minutes to go but still struggled. This was a concern.”

While Jamie Carragher said on CBS Sports that Liverpool failed to spend their money “well enough” in the summer, with youngsters like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni outshining the club’s marquee signings like Barcola.

The Liverpool legend said: "The squad Liverpool have got is very expensive but not as good as it should be and not as balanced as it should be."

Fans Make Thoughts Clear on Barcola After Fenerbahce Game

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans were left making the same point on X (Twitter) following Barcola’s underwhelming display against Fenerbahce.

One supporter commented: “Seen nothing from Barcola that makes me think he's worth anything even close to £120m,” while another wrote:

“We’ve had our keks pulled down with Barcola. He’s not worth half what we paid!”

A third fan tweeted: “Barcola is the worst signing of the season. £140 million wasted. PSG sold me gold, but after washing it, it turned out to be a rock.”

While a fourth added: “Barcola’s not worth more than half of what he was bought for, look at the state of him. Pathetic!”

A fifth commented: “PSG absolutely robbed us for Barcola, don’t even know what position he is now. What I do know is Gakpo has to be starting left-wing, far bigger goal threat.”

And a sixth said: “Can we return Barcola back to PSG for our money?”

While Liverpool’s coaching staff may have factored in Barcola requiring time to settle in a new country, it’s fair to assume most expected far most from a player who came with such a lofty reputation and one of the biggest fees in Premier League history.