Barcola warned over Liverpool starts as sporting director Richard Hughes departs Anfield

Bradley Barcola marked his Liverpool debut with a 26-minute cameo in a 2-0 Premier League win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, but the £123m winger was immediately handed a reality check about his prospects of breaking into the starting XI.

Alexander Isak scored twice — his first brace for the club — to give Andoni Iraola’s side their first league victory of the season after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Barcola entered in the 64th minute, replacing Victor Munoz, and drew attention with his pace and dribbling on the left flank.

His introduction prompted Cody Gakpo to move up front following Isak’s withdrawal, and it is the Dutchman’s early-season form that stands between Barcola and a regular starting role. Gakpo has been arguably Liverpool’s standout performer across their opening three fixtures, contributing one goal and three assists, despite a proposed £85m move to Manchester City collapsing on deadline day.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was blunt in his assessment on X after the final whistle. “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo,” he wrote — a pointed warning for a player who only recently completed one of the summer’s most expensive transfers.

Off the pitch, Liverpool confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes on Saturday, ending a two-year tenure at Anfield. The Scotsman had informed the club of his intention to leave earlier this year but agreed to stay on through the close of the summer transfer window. He is now expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Hughes arrived at Liverpool in 2024, overseeing the transition from Jurgen Klopp and appointing Arne Slot as head coach. During his time at the club, Liverpool won the Premier League title and spent approximately £670m across five transfer windows.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is leading the search for Hughes’ successor. In the interim, senior figures including FSG technical director Julian Ward, director of football development Pedro Marques, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, and chief scout Barry Hunter are sharing responsibility for the role.