Iraola confirms £123m signing Barcola in line to make Liverpool debut at Ipswich

Bradley Barcola is set to feature for Liverpool as early as Friday’s Premier League trip to Ipswich Town, with manager Andoni Iraola confirming the £123m winger is available after his late-window arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool completed the signing of the 23-year-old French international on the penultimate day of the transfer window, ending a summer-long saga. Barcola had not featured in a single matchday squad for PSG this season and had played zero minutes during pre-season, making the timing of his debut a natural concern.

Iraola, however, moved to ease those worries at his pre-match press conference. “We are very happy with Bradley. He was our priority, let’s say, to sign a very very good player in that position,” the Spaniard said. “He has come with the right mentality. I liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that is a good first sign.”

When pressed on whether Barcola could start at Portman Road, Iraola did not rule it out. “I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in the trainings. It’s true he hasn’t had minutes in pre-season but he has been training normal with the group. That’s a decision we have to make.”

Iraola is still searching for his first win as Liverpool head coach after back-to-back draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to open the season.

Barcola’s arrival rounded off a busy summer that also brought in Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, and Ronald Araujo on loan. Iraola expressed satisfaction with the club’s transfer business despite questions over whether Liverpool adequately addressed their need for a defensive midfielder and a right-back.

The manager also confirmed his delight at retaining Cody Gakpo after Liverpool rejected a late approach from Manchester City for the Dutch forward. “Cody is a very smart player,” Iraola said. “He has performed with us very well — in all the pre-season games, in all the games. He scored in the first game, assisted in the next one.”

Liverpool’s strengthened attacking options could also open a pathway for 18-year-old academy prospect Rio Ngumoha, though Iraola offered no update on the teenager’s first professional contract when asked directly.