Liverpool's record signing Bradley Barcola could make his debut against Ipswich Town this Friday. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the £123m winger is available for selection if he comes through his final training session, as reported by Sky Sports Football.
Ipswich, currently 12th in the Premier League with three points from two games, host the Reds at Portman Road live on Sky Sports. The match is a key early test for a Tractor Boys side that has scored four goals but conceded six this season. They are three points behind leaders Manchester City and will be without the sidelined Jack Taylor, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, and Emersonn, as listed on our injuries page.
When will Barcola make his Liverpool debut?
Barcola's potential debut comes after a summer-long transfer saga. The 23-year-old France international finally completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain on the penultimate day of the window, signing a five-year contract. Iraola stated the player was Liverpool's priority target for the winger position. "We are very happy with Bradley," Iraola said. "He was our priority: to sign a very good player in that position. He has come with the right mentality."
The manager added that Barcola has trained three times with the squad but has not played a minute of football since the World Cup, having missed pre-season. "He has trained well with us, and if everything goes well in today's training, he will definitely be available for tomorrow," Iraola confirmed. His inclusion would be a boost for a Liverpool side searching for its first league win under Iraola after draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
What does Barcola bring to Liverpool?
The winger arrives with a proven track record from his time in Paris. Barcola recorded 39 goals and 37 assists in 152 appearances for PSG, winning 13 trophies during his spell. His direct running and creativity are seen as assets for a Liverpool attack that rejected an £80m offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo this summer. The club also added Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, and Ronald Araujo on loan, but were unable to agree fees for targets Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr.
Barcola's eagerness to join impressed the manager. "I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot, he just wanted to come here," Iraola noted. "That's a good first sign." His potential introduction adds a new dimension for opponents to consider, starting with Ipswich's defence.
What is the context for Ipswich's next game?
Friday's fixture is a significant early-season encounter for both clubs. Ipswich Town, sitting 13th in the table, face a Liverpool side one place below them. The Tractor Boys' form reads LW from their opening two matches, and they will aim to tighten up a defence that has a -2 goal difference. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
For Liverpool, the match offers a chance to kickstart their campaign. Beyond Barcola's status, there is positive news on the injury front. Defender Joe Gomez is set to return to training next week after a muscle injury sustained in July. Youngster Giovanni Leoni, out for nearly a year with a knee issue, is also expected to start training during the upcoming international break. The focus now shifts to Portman Road on September 4th, where a £123m talent could take his first bow in English football.
